Alright, I'm a teacher here and Rent is about $1,405/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 5.9%, which is about average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What are your go-to spots? Looking forward to hearing from you all. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
52 upvotes
14 Replies
Reagan Johnson
literally same
35 upvotes
Lydia Wood
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 13 years. Moved from Atlanta for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Brielle Price
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
31 upvotes
Everly
noted, appreciate it
29 upvotes
Greyson Ward
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 36, moved here 5 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Eastside and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The dating scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Denver, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
28 upvotes
Leonardo James
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The food scene is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
Willow Wright
hmm interesting perspective
27 upvotes
Pamela S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 2 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Kyle M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Denver about 9 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
born_emily79
Moved here from Denver about 7 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to school system but Feel free to reach out with questions..
13 upvotes
Lydia Bennett
I've lived in Uptown for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- The job market scene is improving
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
Levi Reyes
big facts right here
4 upvotes
mountain_ethan44
I've lived in North for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- The pet-friendliness scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
2 upvotes
Sebastian Gray
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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