Curious what people think. Just moved here 7 months ago and The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $3,166/month for a decent place. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
14 upvotes
8 Replies
angel_chef
following this thread
37 upvotes
Elijah Perez
I'm a nurse and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
36 upvotes
Landon Thomas
good to know, thanks
25 upvotes
Brooks S.
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The traffic is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Gabriella R.
preach
18 upvotes
Mia H.
nah I disagree
10 upvotes
Allison Reed
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 LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. hospitality 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. 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. Nightlife is limited. Dating scene is rough. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
aaron_girl
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.