Hey folks, Average temperature is around 45--F, so expect cold winters. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Should I be concerned? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
4 upvotes
8 Replies
Alexa Price
Bought a house here in 2019 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
40 upvotes
Theodore Morales
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 5 years. Moved from LA for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - we have rivers 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 challenging. 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. Limited shopping options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
santiago_lover
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
Josiah Walker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 9 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
Elena Edwards
exactly what I was thinking
19 upvotes
Miles Hall
I've lived in Westside for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- The job market scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Nova Cooper
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Isabelle C.
I'm a contractor and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
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