Longtime lurker here, We're a young couple and Homes are going for about $424,600 on average. You can expect to pay around $2,139 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. With a population of 19,093, Five Forks is a small town. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What would you do? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
0 upvotes
4 Replies
sdchef2024
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Charlotte Cox
I work in government here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Valentina E.
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 9 years. Moved from Boston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
construction is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers 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 challenging. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Karen M.
I work in legal here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is decent. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..