We have two kids and It's a a small town city with about 6,014 people. Rent is about $838/month for a decent place. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
8 upvotes
4 Replies
Ryan Johnson
it depends on the neighborhood
37 upvotes
Josiah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 41, moved here 14 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in East and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. challenging 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 Raleigh, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
17 upvotes
Jayden Moore
spot on
8 upvotes
David Nelson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Miami about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. No regrets on my end..
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