Hey everyone, Homes are going for about $183,200 on average. Poverty rate is 39.3%, which is higher than I expected. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to.
8 upvotes
14 Replies
Silas C.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
37 upvotes
Noah Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 42, moved here 10 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Springfield and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The weather situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Tampa, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
36 upvotes
Maverick Richardson
preach
35 upvotes
Easton Ruiz
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Lydia
it depends on the neighborhood
31 upvotes
Paisley Collins
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Westside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
28 upvotes
Bennett Hughes
preach
26 upvotes
Robert Wilson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is underrated in most areas.
23 upvotes
Eric P.
exactly what I was thinking
22 upvotes
Ashley A.
I've lived in North for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
- The housing market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
19 upvotes
Isaac Ramirez
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone about the same since then.
11 upvotes
Everly A.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
7 upvotes
Justin H.
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone about the same since then.
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