Hey folks, The unemployment rate is 4.9%, which is about average. Rent is about $822/month for a decent place. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
14 upvotes
4 Replies
Ezra Jackson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Raleigh about 8 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited public transit options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
Arianna Watson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 8 years. Moved from Boston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Urban sprawl is real. Not very walkable outside downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Alexander Campbell
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The walkability is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
9 upvotes
Jose Kelly
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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