Been meaning to ask this. Homes are going for about $1,040,500 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Cambridge sits at 278.6 per 100K. Median household income is $126,469, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What are your go-to spots? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up.
17 upvotes
13 Replies
Oliver Ortiz
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
40 upvotes
Vivian Moore
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 11 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Robert
noted, appreciate it
36 upvotes
Olivia Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 51, moved here 5 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Uptown and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
33 upvotes
Harper Brown
underrated comment
33 upvotes
Joseph
as a local I can confirm
30 upvotes
Bennett B.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely challenging and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Midtown) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
29 upvotes
Jordan
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 New York for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is solid - we have ski resorts 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 tough. 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 cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, 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.
29 upvotes
Adam C.
big facts right here
28 upvotes
Hailey B.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Maple Ridge. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Korean.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Eva J.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 7 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
25 upvotes
Mackenzie Rodriguez
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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