Curious what people think. Average temperature is around 62--F, so the weather is moderate. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Would love some local perspective. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
4 upvotes
5 Replies
Jonathan M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely decent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Old Town) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
25 upvotes
Jonathan Brown
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 8 years. Moved from Raleigh for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is tough - we have rivers 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 average. 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 public transit options. Dating scene is rough. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Serenity
spot on
11 upvotes
luca_native
Used to live on the South side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
8 upvotes
Allison D.
I've lived in Sunset for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Close to major attractions
- The pet-friendliness scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..