Hey everyone, We're a young couple and Crime rate is something to consider -Holbrook sits at 22.0 per 100K. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Any help is appreciated. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
4 upvotes
27 Replies
Amelia L.
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Westside area are excellent. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Caroline Morgan
big facts right here
37 upvotes
Willow Phillips
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much pricey but now it's challenging.
36 upvotes
Naomi Ramos
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Jameson B.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Denver it's challenging.
32 upvotes
Katherine
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 12 years. Moved from Houston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2015 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - 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 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited shopping options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Daniel G.
yep
29 upvotes
Dylan Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 41, moved here 13 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Greenfield and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The job market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Phoenix, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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
Olivia King
Bought a house here in 2024 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
23 upvotes
Adam C.
nah I disagree
23 upvotes
Lauren R.
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in North area are tough. Kids love it here.
21 upvotes
sunny_everly88
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
21 upvotes
Leo Ruiz
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
19 upvotes
Thomas Smith
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from San Francisco about 14 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is challenging.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
Isabella Richardson
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much wild but now it's challenging.
16 upvotes
Everly Perez
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Greenfield area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
15 upvotes
Jaxon Smith
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Portland about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
12 upvotes
Kai Ortiz
hmm interesting perspective
11 upvotes
Claire
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Easton Kelly
Came here for weather and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The walkability is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
10 upvotes
Sadie Campbell
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much competitive but now it's surprisingly good.
10 upvotes
Rylee C.
lol so true
9 upvotes
Quinn J.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Denver it's better than expected.
9 upvotes
Aurora B.
good to know, thanks
6 upvotes
Delilah H.
bump
5 upvotes
Larry W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from San Francisco about 4 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
5 upvotes
Luna Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 30, moved here 4 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Oak Park and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Property taxes are high
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Baltimore, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
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