So, Median household income is $115,037, which feels pretty solid for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. Does this match your experience? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
18 upvotes
7 Replies
Emilia J.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from San Diego about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Ruby Johnson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from LA about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is underrated.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
Lillian Sanders
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely tough and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Highland) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
31 upvotes
Brielle S.
bump
23 upvotes
Claire C.
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The school system is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Eli Richardson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 31, moved here 6 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Uptown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 San Francisco, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
7 upvotes
Helen G.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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