I'm single, late 50s, and It's a a smaller city city with about 90,874 people. The median home value here is around $391,900, which seems about average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Any advice would be great.
16 upvotes
21 Replies
Grace Green
hard disagree but ok
40 upvotes
Everly Robinson
accurate
40 upvotes
Joshua W.
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 2 years. Moved from Atlanta for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
healthcare is strong here. construction 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have ski resorts 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 improving. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Far from beaches/mountains. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Brian T.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
35 upvotes
Violet P.
I'm a data analyst and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
34 upvotes
Cameron Smith
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Cameron Gutierrez
bump
31 upvotes
Stella P.
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 1 years. Moved from Austin for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have national forests 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 hit or miss. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Emilia Parker
great question, following
21 upvotes
Zoey Gonzalez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to LA it's surprisingly good.
18 upvotes
Wyatt Turner
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much developing but now it's challenging.
18 upvotes
Ezra Green
literally same
15 upvotes
Claire Baker
hard disagree but ok
15 upvotes
Julian Miller
Moved here last year, no regrets.
14 upvotes
Jayden
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
13 upvotes
Vivian D.
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Lakewood area are solid. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Luca Alvarez
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 weather. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Victoria K.
thanks for sharing
7 upvotes
Nathan Alvarez
great question, following
5 upvotes
Skylar Evans
honestly same experience here
5 upvotes
Ruby
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
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