Hey folks, People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Worth the trade-offs? Thanks! The weather takes some getting used to.
8 upvotes
7 Replies
Sarah Morris
I'm a social worker and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
40 upvotes
Olivia Sanchez
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Pine Hills area are tough. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
Ava Thomas
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 12 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Ellie C.
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 10 years. Moved from Chicago for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is average - we have state parks 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. Property taxes are high. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Ian C.
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Mediterranean places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
16 upvotes
Julia Watson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Baltimore it's decent.
3 upvotes
Rylee Stewart
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.