Alright, I work in automotive and The median home value here is around $370,200, which seems about average. The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. It's a a mid-size city city with about 101K people. Poverty rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
Pros:
- Good schools
- Diverse community
- Lots of new development
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Lack of diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Worth the trade-offs? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to.
37 upvotes
8 Replies
Piper Lewis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 4 years. Moved from Austin for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
engineering is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Midtown schools are improving. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Axel Miller
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 4 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking 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 surprisingly good. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
bostonlocal2020
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 24, moved here 11 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Highland and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
21 upvotes
Landon Clark
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 48, moved here 1 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Uptown and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The food scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K 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.
18 upvotes
Theodore Castillo
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
Jonathan Wilson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 42, moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Riverside and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The dating scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Baltimore, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
10 upvotes
Sophia
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
8 upvotes
Harper Sanders
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much growing but now it's improving.
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