Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a teacher here and Crime rate is something to consider -Bell sits at 469.8 per 100K. Rent is about $1,538/month for a decent place. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What would you do?
21 upvotes
12 Replies
Nora Miller
I've lived in Old Town for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- The traffic scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
40 upvotes
Harold C.
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Indian places. it's been a really good experience overall.
38 upvotes
Allison D.
This.
33 upvotes
Stella C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 4 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. retail 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 not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is improving - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Can feel isolated. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Eleanor
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is solid in most areas.
30 upvotes
Luke M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
21 upvotes
Aubrey Hernandez
it depends on the neighborhood
20 upvotes
Evan Myers
hard disagree but ok
20 upvotes
Lily Allen
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
Isaiah P.
Can confirm, been here 2 years.
12 upvotes
Dylan
100%
7 upvotes
Theodore B.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Fairview) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
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