Hey folks, My partner and I are Homes are going for about $242,600 on average. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Looking forward to hearing from you all. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
1 upvotes
10 Replies
Ezekiel Sanchez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Seattle it's surprisingly good.
33 upvotes
Cora Hernandez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Nashville about 3 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
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 established, gas is underrated.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Jeremiah Cook
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
32 upvotes
Nicholas R.
not my experience at all
29 upvotes
Everett C.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
29 upvotes
Caroline Taylor
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Scott W.
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 Baltimore for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. marketing 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 tough. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Cooper Cook
as a local I can confirm
12 upvotes
Ezekiel Watson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
10 upvotes
Grace Myers
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.