Anyone else feel this way? Been living here since 2022. The median home value here is around $386,700, which seems about average. Rent is about $1,914/month for a decent place. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Am I overthinking this? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
6 upvotes
11 Replies
Sophie Rivera
lol so true
38 upvotes
Xavier
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 12 years. Moved from Denver for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. tech 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains 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 public transit options. Summers can be brutally hot. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
ruby_heart
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 10 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
Natalie T.
yep
32 upvotes
Nathan Turner
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The safety is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Theodore R.
This.
17 upvotes
Lucas Flores
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Houston about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is decent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Ezekiel A.
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Oak Park area are average. Kids love it here.
15 upvotes
James Thomas
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
12 upvotes
Madeline P.
I've lived in Riverside for about 4 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 Houston, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- The public transit scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Easton Ruiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Charlotte about 13 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
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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