Hey, I'm retired and Median household income is $57,576, which feels about average for the area. You can expect to pay around $1,647 for rent here. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Has anyone dealt with this?
9 upvotes
9 Replies
Wayne W.
interesting, hadn't considered that
40 upvotes
Nova H.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Downtown. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in retail. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Xavier Lopez
same here
37 upvotes
Valentina King
thanks for sharing
22 upvotes
Eli Davis
been saying this for years
17 upvotes
Emily Smith
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much stable but now it's challenging.
8 upvotes
Grayson Morris
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 9 years. Moved from Denver for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. 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 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited entertainment options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Silas Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 43, moved here 12 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Fairview and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
5 upvotes
Allison Phillips
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
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