Hello, Household incomes average around $59,444 in Cameron. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Would love some local perspective. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
3 upvotes
5 Replies
Roman G.
Moved here from Raleigh about 5 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to food scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Ava Ramirez
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 6 years. Moved from Charlotte for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
marketing is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is tough - we have hiking trails 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. Winters are long and cold. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Brooks Taylor
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Portland about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Zoey
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 58, moved here 13 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Boston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
14 upvotes
Gabriella Jones
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to San Francisco it's tough.
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