Not sure if this has been asked before, but Born and raised here. Median household income is $95,847, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 1.5%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 1.0%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Cheers. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to.
0 upvotes
13 Replies
Matthew L.
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Brielle Smith
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 3 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Delilah A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 15 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
Hailey Peterson
I've lived in Old Town for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
- The food scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Kayden W.
Came here for weather and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The weather is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
26 upvotes
Caleb Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from San Francisco about 4 years ago. The main reasons were work and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is average.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Hannah Lopez
great question, following
20 upvotes
Connor Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 41, moved here 12 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in East and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Atlanta, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
17 upvotes
Paisley Rodriguez
facts
15 upvotes
William Rogers
same here
14 upvotes
Katherine L.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
8 upvotes
Dominic K.
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
7 upvotes
Sofia
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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