So, You can expect to pay around $1,205 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
8 upvotes
11 Replies
Aurora Wood
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
39 upvotes
matthew_local
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Julie M.
yeah no that's not right
20 upvotes
Ruby Jones
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
17 upvotes
Jacob Morris
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The housing market is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
13 upvotes
Dominic
I've lived in Old Town for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The walkability scene is average
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
11 upvotes
Hailey B.
as a local I can confirm
4 upvotes
Sadie Martin
Moved here from Chicago about 15 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to school system but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
3 upvotes
Ian Allen
Bought a house here in 2018 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
3 upvotes
Bobby R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely tough and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
2 upvotes
Miles Mendoza
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 8 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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