OK so Been living here since 2024. It's a a smaller city city with about 35,312 people. You can expect to pay around $1,665 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
Pros:
- Friendly people
- Nice parks and trails
- Plenty of shopping options
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Poor road conditions
- Chain restaurants dominate
Any help is appreciated. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up.
22 upvotes
22 Replies
Riley Harris
preach
38 upvotes
Skylar Collins
it depends on the neighborhood
36 upvotes
Emily L.
big facts right here
36 upvotes
Elizabeth Wood
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 6 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2017 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. tech 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 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 pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, 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.
34 upvotes
Mia M.
facts
33 upvotes
Noah D.
This.
32 upvotes
mesaheart2020
honestly same experience here
32 upvotes
David W.
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
30 upvotes
Theodore Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 31, moved here 4 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in West and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The school system situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from San Francisco, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
28 upvotes
Wesley W.
I've lived in East for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- The school system scene is tough
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
26 upvotes
Josiah Castillo
yep
22 upvotes
Nova Hill
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
21 upvotes
Alexander Gomez
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The public transit is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Aurora Bailey
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 school system. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
19 upvotes
Hazel B.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Feel free to reach out with questions..
17 upvotes
Lillian Green
exactly what I was thinking
16 upvotes
mateo_mind
100%
12 upvotes
Jayden Gomez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in The Heights. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in government. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
10 upvotes
Willow Foster
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great BBQ places. it exceeded my expectations.
6 upvotes
Caleb Turner
it depends on the neighborhood
5 upvotes
Kinsley Wilson
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 cost of living. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
0 upvotes
Bennett Phillips
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
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