Poverty rate is 5.3%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $877/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Farmington sits at 536.7 per 100K. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
12 upvotes
13 Replies
Catherine E.
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
38 upvotes
Waylon Price
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in East area are improving. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
Axel Cook
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Nashville about 7 years ago. The main reasons were school and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Christine B.
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 Charlotte for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 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. Limited high-paying job options. Limited shopping options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Jayden Jones
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The community vibe is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Lucy Wright
I'm a teacher and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
28 upvotes
Parker Lewis
this is the way
28 upvotes
Austin
bump
25 upvotes
Lily Robinson
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
24 upvotes
Grayson Morris
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
21 upvotes
Madeline Price
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The cultural scene is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
14 upvotes
Eva Hall
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Chicago about 4 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Jameson Bailey
I work in construction here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is decent. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..