Alright, Been living here since 2008. You can expect to pay around $828 for rent here. Rent is about $828/month for a decent place. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
8 upvotes
6 Replies
Emma
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 29, moved here 2 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Midtown and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Portland, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
29 upvotes
fresno_kennedy
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 53, moved here 12 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Greenfield and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Raleigh, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
14 upvotes
Valentina Carter
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
7 upvotes
Luke Turner
accurate
4 upvotes
Melanie Jackson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Charlotte about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Feel free to reach out with questions..
3 upvotes
Alexander Ramirez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from San Diego about 8 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is decent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
All Countries
