Hi all, I'm a college student here and You can expect to pay around $1,574 for rent here. Rent is about $1,574/month for a decent place. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Has anyone dealt with this? The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
19 upvotes
14 Replies
Mackenzie Moore
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
Luna Garcia
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Mason B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 2 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
Robert Allen
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely improving and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
23 upvotes
Elizabeth Cooper
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
23 upvotes
Jaxon C.
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 San Diego for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 underrated. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited shopping options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Aaliyah
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Grayson Perez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in South. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Asian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Chloe Ward
This.
12 upvotes
Leonardo Flores
100%
8 upvotes
Sophie Rivera
I've lived in West for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- The safety scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Hazel Gutierrez
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The walkability is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
2 upvotes
Harper Richardson
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
1 upvotes
Serenity E.
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in South area are excellent. Kids love it here.
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