Longtime lurker here, We have two kids and Homes are going for about $278,400 on average. The median home value here is around $278,400, which seems about average. You can expect to pay around $1,112 for rent here. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
2 upvotes
3 Replies
Skylar R.
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 San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2021 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is solid - we have biking trails 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 hit or miss. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Aaron W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Sunset. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
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