Born and raised here. The unemployment rate is 5.0%, which is about average. The median home value here is around $121,000, which is actually reasonable. It's a a small town city with about 13,361 people. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
Pros:
- Friendly people
- Lots of new development
- Walkable downtown
Cons:
- Sprawl everywhere
- Not very walkable
- Poor road conditions
Let me know your thoughts. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
9 upvotes
14 Replies
Isaiah P.
spot on
39 upvotes
Dominic Perez
lol so true
32 upvotes
living_autumn78
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 55, moved here 10 years ago from Boston. I've lived in West and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Boston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$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.
31 upvotes
Declan B.
Totally agree!
31 upvotes
Brooks Rogers
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The walkability is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
Hazel
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
kayden_heart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 37, moved here 1 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in West and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
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. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Atlanta, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
27 upvotes
Lydia
Saving this thread
22 upvotes
Everett C.
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
15 upvotes
Victoria Ward
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
12 upvotes
Jonathan M.
I've lived in South for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The cultural scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
10 upvotes
Lydia Williams
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The housing market is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Bella Jimenez
Moved here from Raleigh about 1 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to healthcare but Happy to answer more specific questions..
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