Alright, Property taxes are high but you get good services. Thanks!
15 upvotes
7 Replies
detroitheart2024
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Charlotte about 2 years ago. The main reasons were family and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
Parker Thompson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely excellent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Old Town) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
39 upvotes
Hannah
hard disagree but ok
34 upvotes
William Green
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 15 years. Moved from Chicago for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have biking trails 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. Winters are long and cold. Road conditions need improvement. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
wyatt_heart
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- The cost of living scene is improving
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Claire Bailey
exactly what I was thinking
9 upvotes
Skylar Mendoza
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.