OK so Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cheers.
24 upvotes
14 Replies
George T.
honestly same experience here
37 upvotes
Levi J.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
36 upvotes
Silas Carter
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Dallas about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is excellent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Caleb Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 31, moved here 7 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in South and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Charlotte, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
26 upvotes
Maya Kelly
This.
24 upvotes
Xavier
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Portland it's challenging.
22 upvotes
Claire Lee
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
18 upvotes
proud_christian22
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 3 years. Moved from Houston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have lakes 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited public transit options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Isaiah Rogers
I work in real estate here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is underrated. Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Zoey Wright
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Hannah P.
literally same
7 upvotes
Sebastian S.
exactly what I was thinking
6 upvotes
Quinn M.
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The healthcare is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
4 upvotes
Mia Watson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 42, moved here 12 years ago from LA. I've lived in Meadowbrook and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- East: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from LA, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
All Countries
