Hi all, Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
42 upvotes
12 Replies
Barbara F.
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
34 upvotes
Carter Ortiz
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
32 upvotes
Alice Lee
yeah no that's not right
30 upvotes
Santiago Brown
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
29 upvotes
Hunter Murphy
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Chicago it's solid.
25 upvotes
Eleanor Murphy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Denver about 4 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Definitely worth checking out..
19 upvotes
Asher Parker
seconding this
18 upvotes
Alexa 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 14 years. Moved from San Diego for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 average. 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. Limited shopping options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
orlandonative2020
This.
14 upvotes
Josiah Castillo
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
4 upvotes
Elizabeth Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 29, moved here 6 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in East and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The food scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Seattle, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
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