OK so Born and raised here. Crime rate is something to consider -Lakeview sits at 119.0 per 100K. The median home value here is around $556,900, which is pretty steep. It's a a small town city with about 5,794 people. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Thoughts? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
13 upvotes
9 Replies
Lily C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 7 years. Moved from Minneapolis for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are improving. 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. Nightlife is limited. Property taxes are high. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Eva
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
33 upvotes
Jack Parker
100%
27 upvotes
Joseph Wood
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Nathan M.
Saving this thread
22 upvotes
Liam Price
I've lived in Old Town for about 2 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 Phoenix, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The safety scene is decent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
Owen Williams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 57, moved here 1 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Pine Hills and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cost of living situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
4 upvotes
Aaron Hughes
Bought a house here in 2019 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone about the same since then.
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