First post here. We have two kids and Poverty rate is 20.6%, which is higher than I expected. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Any advice would be great.
10 upvotes
15 Replies
Charlotte
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Nashville about 7 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Kinsley Gomez
I'm a data analyst and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
40 upvotes
Brooklyn M.
big facts right here
39 upvotes
Jayden Phillips
I've lived in Midtown for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
- The cultural scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
35 upvotes
Sofia Johnson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 9 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Nova C.
facts
27 upvotes
Robert Miller
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely better than expected and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Fairview) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
24 upvotes
David M.
not my experience at all
22 upvotes
Dominic Jones
same here
21 upvotes
Jayden 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 12 years. Moved from Dallas for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have mountains 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 surprisingly 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. Winters are long and cold. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Alexa S.
I'm a pharmacist and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
16 upvotes
Delilah King
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Colton R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
10 upvotes
Weston Ramirez
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
All Countries
