Hello, The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Any advice would be great. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
14 upvotes
2 Replies
Xavier Lewis
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 3 years. Moved from Atlanta for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have lakes 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 average. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Madeline Taylor
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 42, moved here 8 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in North and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Property taxes are high
3. The job market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Chicago, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
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