Curious what people think. You can expect to pay around $1,682 for rent here. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Thoughts? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
22 upvotes
17 Replies
Mason Miller
big facts right here
36 upvotes
Gerald L.
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 11 years. Moved from Denver for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 hit or miss. 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. Property taxes are high. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Lucas Turner
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
Gabriel Hall
Saving this thread
33 upvotes
Joseph Howard
wish I knew this sooner
32 upvotes
Silas T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Raleigh about 13 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
31 upvotes
Everly C.
interesting, hadn't considered that
27 upvotes
Nathan S.
big facts right here
26 upvotes
Axel Rogers
I work in retail here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is solid. No regrets on my end..
25 upvotes
phoenixwalker2026
noted, appreciate it
19 upvotes
Valentina
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 8 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Avery Cruz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely tough and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (West) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
17 upvotes
Jackson H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely improving and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Fairview) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
15 upvotes
Savannah James
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Caroline Lee
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Carol A.
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
6 upvotes
Isabelle Walker
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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