Anyone else feel this way? Poverty rate is 9.1%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Am I overthinking this? Appreciate any input. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
3 upvotes
10 Replies
Jonathan M.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
38 upvotes
Lillian Kelly
thanks for sharing
28 upvotes
jayden_dude
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
27 upvotes
Jerry A.
literally same
24 upvotes
Audrey Stewart
accurate
21 upvotes
Jack W.
this is the way
19 upvotes
Axel
I'm a software engineer and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
12 upvotes
Brooks Taylor
Moved here last year, no regrets.
12 upvotes
Wesley
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 New York for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is improving - we have state parks 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 excellent. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Bugs and humidity in summer. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Dominic Garcia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Portland about 8 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is solid.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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