The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $1,203,100, which is pretty steep. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
22 upvotes
7 Replies
Harper Collins
bump
36 upvotes
Gary T.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Kaylee Thomas
I've lived in Old Town for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- The healthcare scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
liam_vibes
following this thread
16 upvotes
Chloe W.
Came here for family and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The traffic is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
10 upvotes
Mackenzie Roberts
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely solid and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Fairview) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
7 upvotes
Addison D.
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 Atlanta 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 a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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