Been meaning to ask this. We're a young couple and Household incomes average around $95,367 in Auburn. It's a a smaller city city with about 85,455 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Auburn sits at 393.3 per 100K. Rent is about $1,713/month for a decent place. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. 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. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
27 upvotes
8 Replies
Natalie
Moved here last year, no regrets.
26 upvotes
Gerald L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Dallas about 7 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is decent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Everett Hall
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
25 upvotes
Lillian Baker
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
14 upvotes
Alice
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 10 years. Moved from Dallas for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have biking trails 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 pretty good. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Kennedy B.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
10 upvotes
real_ella23
hmm interesting perspective
8 upvotes
Kaylee R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 25, moved here 8 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Fairview and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The housing market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Raleigh, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
All Countries
