Hey folks, Homes are going for about $339,200 on average. Poverty rate is 7.1%, which is pretty low. It's a a mid-size city city with about 206K people. Average temperature is around 75°F, so it's warm year-round. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Am I overthinking this? The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development.
2 upvotes
3 Replies
Jonathan F.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 9 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
charlotteheart2022
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 Charlotte for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. legal 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 love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is tough - we have national forests 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. Nightlife is limited. Chain restaurants dominate. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Alexa R.
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone about the same since then.
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