Longtime lurker here, I'm a college student here and The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 73--F, so it's warm year-round. It's a a small town city with about 3,206 people. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. TIA! Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
11 upvotes
6 Replies
savannah_dude
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 3 years. Moved from Dallas for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. construction 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 decent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited entertainment options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Willow Ward
I work in legal here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is pretty good. Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Parker Nguyen
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
Leonardo
haha yep pretty much
16 upvotes
sf_nicholas
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
14 upvotes
Mateo T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 14 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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