First post here. I'm originally from St. Louis and Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. Household incomes average around $140,053 in Camas. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
27 upvotes
8 Replies
Matthew H.
underrated comment
32 upvotes
Austin M.
Bought a house here in 2023 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
27 upvotes
Sean B.
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 9 years. Moved from Houston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. marketing 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 love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have rivers 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 hit or miss. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Property taxes are high. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Ava Moore
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
19 upvotes
Paisley Nelson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely decent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
17 upvotes
Gianna Rogers
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
15 upvotes
Jaxon Rogers
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
14 upvotes
Leah Morris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Austin about 9 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is average.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..