Hey everyone, I'm a 50-year-old contractor and Rent is about $1,346/month for a decent place. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
55 upvotes
13 Replies
Alexander T.
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
40 upvotes
Ava R.
I'm a electrician and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
Robert Moore
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 39, moved here 1 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Uptown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Bugs and humidity in summer
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The safety situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Nashville, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
38 upvotes
Carter Jones
glad someone said it
37 upvotes
Adeline Ortiz
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 1 years. Moved from Dallas for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2022 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. hospitality 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is decent - we have desert landscapes 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. Limited shopping options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Sophia Martin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 55, moved here 2 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The food scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Atlanta, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
27 upvotes
Brielle Moore
it depends on the neighborhood
24 upvotes
Camila L.
honestly same experience here
16 upvotes
Isabelle W.
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Ella
wish I knew this sooner
12 upvotes
Eleanor
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Miami about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
11 upvotes
urban_brielle70
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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