My partner and I are Crime rate is something to consider -Barceloneta zona urbana sits at 2,771.8 per 100K. It's a a small town city with about 3,481 people. Poverty rate is 60.3%, which is higher than I expected. Rent is about $451/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $451 for rent here. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Am I overthinking this? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. 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. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
4 upvotes
12 Replies
John Kim
Moved here from Austin about 9 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to safety but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Ryan Martin
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Salt Lake City it's pretty good.
34 upvotes
Angel S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 9 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Kai Ross
Totally agree!
23 upvotes
Gabriel K.
good to know, thanks
19 upvotes
Addison Flores
seconding this
18 upvotes
Mackenzie Rodriguez
Bought a house here in 2023 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone about the same since then.
17 upvotes
Jace Ramirez
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 Houston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. consulting 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 exactly what I was looking for. 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 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. Winters are long and cold. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Kinsley Green
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much affordable but now it's decent.
6 upvotes
Emma Reed
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Springfield area are tough. Kids love it here.
5 upvotes
Oliver Walker
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..