Longtime lurker here, Just moved here 15 months ago and You can expect to pay around $884 for rent here. Median household income is $59,943, which feels about average for the area. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Anyone in a similar situation? Looking forward to hearing from you all. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
10 upvotes
5 Replies
Jackson Phillips
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 5 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Old Town schools are excellent. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Far from beaches/mountains. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Reagan R.
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Autumn Roberts
Bought a house here in 2020 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
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