My family moved here when I was a kid. Homes are going for about $140,800 on average. Poverty rate is 19.2%, which is higher than I expected. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What would you do? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
14 upvotes
9 Replies
Waylon Davis
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much affordable but now it's solid.
40 upvotes
Mateo P.
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
39 upvotes
Hailey
I've lived in East for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- The nightlife scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Eva
Came here for school and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The job market is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
28 upvotes
Elizabeth Martin
Moved here from Chicago about 8 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to school system but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
real_alice76
Totally agree!
19 upvotes
fresno_alexander
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 15 years. Moved from Dallas for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. 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 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Allison Garcia
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 10 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.