Longtime lurker here, The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $156,900 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. What neighborhoods would you suggest? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
26 upvotes
10 Replies
Logan S.
this is the way
38 upvotes
Lillian Stewart
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Highland area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
Scarlett Hernandez
literally same
34 upvotes
Joan W.
I've lived in Sunset for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The community vibe scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Paisley Cooper
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The traffic is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
32 upvotes
Jonathan Bailey
Bought a house here in 2020 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
31 upvotes
Addison Cox
glad someone said it
31 upvotes
Maya Gutierrez
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 4 years. Moved from Chicago for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 challenging. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Jaxon K.
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
8 upvotes
Kai Edwards
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 40, moved here 10 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Eastside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K 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.
All Countries
