Not sure if this has been asked before, but I've been here for 14 years and Rent is about $2,594/month for a decent place. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Any advice would be great. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
15 upvotes
5 Replies
Alexa Chavez
preach
39 upvotes
Wesley Campbell
I'm a pharmacist and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Janet M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 53, moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in East and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The traffic situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Charlotte, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
22 upvotes
Liam P.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Maple Ridge. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in legal. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.