From dublin and have returned to dublin recently having lived in East Belfast for 12 years. absolutely loved it. Cheap to live there; lovely people with a great sense of humor; good night-life. On a visit to Belfast and not knowing the city, the city centre on a saturday night appears unnaturally quiet - thats cos for years during the bad times people didn't socialise in the city centre. all that is changing. To rent, you can't go wrong with South Belfast, although avoid The Villiage if from down south and concerned about certain places. To buy, East Belfast has some great houses for very low prices compared to Dublin. In East Belfast again, if concerned, avoid the Albertbridge Road, Lower Newtownards Road and The Short Strand. As a poster said earlier, the general rule is avoid areas with kerbs painted or flags of any kind flying!
I cannot settle in dublin having been in Belfast so long - like I said, cheap to live there; only 2 hour or less drive to dublin; hardly any commuting problems in the greater city (unlike Dublin). I don't feel safe in Dublin at all, and yet feel sucvh a sense of safety in Belfast.
Hope that helps.....
Audders