Hi all, My partner and I are Poverty rate is 5.6%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
2 upvotes
12 Replies
Mackenzie Murphy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from San Diego about 1 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is decent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
indyguy2020
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Old Town. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
emilia_local
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 13 years. Moved from Seattle for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have national forests 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 excellent. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited entertainment options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Gabriel Kelly
honestly same experience here
29 upvotes
Ezekiel M.
Moved here from Austin about 1 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to school system but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Easton Hernandez
Bought a house here in 2016 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
25 upvotes
Billy R.
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much established but now it's decent.
17 upvotes
Caleb Reyes
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The traffic is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
Melanie C.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
10 upvotes
Mason Watson
yep
5 upvotes
Susan J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 11 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 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:**
marketing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is improving - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South 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. Winters are long and cold. Rising rent and home prices. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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