Anyone else feel this way? I've been here for 18 years and Poverty rate is 7.9%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to.
2 upvotes
12 Replies
Savannah Adams
Came here for school and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The safety is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
Bennett
preach
32 upvotes
angel_soul
preach
27 upvotes
Evan Robinson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Downtown) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
27 upvotes
Henry R.
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Reagan Phillips
thanks for sharing
22 upvotes
nyc_easton
haha yep pretty much
20 upvotes
austinrunner2020
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Everett T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 37, moved here 11 years ago from LA. I've lived in Midtown and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 LA, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
15 upvotes
Allison Martinez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Raleigh it's challenging.
15 upvotes
Ezra Mendoza
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much competitive but now it's pretty good.
14 upvotes
columbus_santiago
I'm a accountant and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
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