Random thought, Been living here since 2005. The unemployment rate is 5.8%, which is about average. Household incomes average around $73,549 in Bostonia. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
2 upvotes
5 Replies
Dylan Thomas
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 1 years. Moved from Denver for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is average - 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 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Kimberly M.
I work in tech here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Valentina Jimenez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely pretty good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Sunset) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
31 upvotes
Lily Hernandez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 8 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.