So, Just moved here 4 months ago and Rent is about $769/month for a decent place. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Am I overthinking this? Thanks! The weather takes some getting used to.
13 upvotes
13 Replies
Wyatt Williams
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
Lucy Roberts
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Phoenix about 6 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Amelia Morgan
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely tough and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (West) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
34 upvotes
Carter Ross
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The food scene is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Josiah Price
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
26 upvotes
Jace
Used to live on the West side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
25 upvotes
Ian
as a local I can confirm
23 upvotes
Jace Stewart
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Meadowbrook area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
22 upvotes
Colton Gutierrez
been saying this for years
17 upvotes
Axel W.
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
15 upvotes
Sophia H.
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 13 years. Moved from Raleigh for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
hospitality is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is decent - we have mountains 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 tough. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Road conditions need improvement. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Stella F.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely tough and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Westside) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation 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.
1 upvotes
Quinn Castillo
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 8 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is decent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.