Hi all, I'm single, late 40s, and Median household income is $129,130, which feels pretty solid for the area. The median home value here is around $429,900, which is pretty steep. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Would love some local perspective. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
28 upvotes
10 Replies
Katherine Phillips
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely decent and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
40 upvotes
Everly Perez
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
32 upvotes
Hannah Torres
great question, following
30 upvotes
vegas_chloe
exactly what I was thinking
27 upvotes
Kaylee L.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Downtown. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in education. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Eli Hernandez
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 San Diego for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Luke Martinez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Tampa about 2 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
9 upvotes
Delilah G.
Moved here from Chicago about 4 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to community vibe but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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