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Do such places exist? It seems like places that generally offer the best jobs are in locations with high costs of living. Cheaper places tend to have lower paying jobs. I've heard Atlanta and Charlotte have good job market now but are more expensive cities when compared to other southern locations. On a national scale, apparently these two cities are more affordable for their population. Is that true? If the pay is likely higher in one city, is it worth it to leave a cheaper area for higher pay in a more expensive city? Or should one just stay in a cheaper area altogether?
Atlanta's not as cheap as it was before. It's somewhat doable for people who don't mind commuting from the suburbs, but now the suburbs are really becoming tough to afford for the middle class person.
Larger southern cities that have a very low cost of living with decent employment options include:
Greensboro, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Greenville, NC (the university is the main economic engine)
From what I've seen, Charlotte's a bit more affordable than Atlanta. You can still get houses inside Charlotte's perimeter for cheaper than you can in say, Raleigh/Cary.
Durham, NC could also be another area. It's a bit higher crime but cheaper to live and has a few universities scattered throughout.
It's short-sighted to consider only cost of living when looking at other cities considering salaries typically offset the difference. Durham NC is an excellent example and despite a mention of higher crime rate it's in fact compartmentalized like most larger cities, versus a widespread issue and not something most encounter on a daily basis. Besides Durham I would also suggest cities like Richmond VA, Charlotte NC, Raleigh NC, Greensboro NC, Winston Salem NC, Charleston SC and Columbia SC. In terms of "bang for the buck" it seems difficult to beat Greensboro, Winston Salem or Columbia based on cost of living versus salary though.
Do such places exist? It seems like places that generally offer the best jobs are in locations with high costs of living. Cheaper places tend to have lower paying jobs. I've heard Atlanta and Charlotte have good job market now but are more expensive cities when compared to other southern locations. On a national scale, apparently these two cities are more affordable for their population. Is that true? If the pay is likely higher in one city, is it worth it to leave a cheaper area for higher pay in a more expensive city? Or should one just stay in a cheaper area altogether?
Atlanta, Nashville, Dallas, Houston, Huntsville, Charlotte, Greenville, San Antonio. You can't hardly do better anywhere in the world than these cities for low cost of living compared to salaries.
Last edited by Tall Traveler; 03-06-2018 at 06:21 PM..
Atlanta and Nashville aren't cheap or affordable as you think. Compared to the Northeast and the west coast yeah, but anywhere else? LOL. The job market sucks in Atlanta because so many people are moving in and are filling out applications for the potion you might be interested in. Charlotte is slightly better.
SA is affordable but the job market is trash. Especially in the industrial field. The one place I can think of that matches good job market/affordability is Houston. Outside of the upscale areas and downtown you can get studios for $600 or less. Watch out for high crime and flood-prone areas tho.
The cities in the Carolina's are perfect. Columbia, Charlotte, Greenville, Greensboro, Raleigh, etc. Charleston may be the most expensive.
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