Hi all, The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $75,853, which feels about average for the area. Poverty rate is 7.1%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Does this match your experience? The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
10 upvotes
11 Replies
Brooklyn Mendoza
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Kaylee Jones
facts
26 upvotes
Jackson Phillips
yep
20 upvotes
Scarlett Cook
I'm a real estate agent and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
12 upvotes
sdmind2022
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely tough and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Westside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
7 upvotes
Elena G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 10 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Willow Williams
lol so true
5 upvotes
Easton N.
as a local I can confirm
4 upvotes
Paisley Garcia
exactly what I was thinking
3 upvotes
Mia Reed
I've lived in Old Town for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- The job market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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