Not sure if this has been asked before, but The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is about average. It's a a small town city with about 5,780 people. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Am I wrong here? Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
12 upvotes
13 Replies
Oliver Taylor
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
mesa_eliana
I've lived in Pine Hills 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 Austin, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- The cost of living scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Lucy Young
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely underrated and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Fairview) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
31 upvotes
Claire Garcia
accurate
30 upvotes
Willow C.
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
26 upvotes
Lily M.
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
24 upvotes
Gabriel
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 14 years. Moved from Minneapolis for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
tech is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts 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 solid. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Sadie
yep
18 upvotes
Silas M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 3 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
sunny_carson60
lol so true
10 upvotes
Janet A.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Springfield. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Noah D.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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