Poverty rate is 6.6%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $199,200 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,219 for rent here. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
7 upvotes
2 Replies
Hannah
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
12 upvotes
Aubrey C.
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 13 years. Moved from Charlotte for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. hospitality 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 been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have beaches 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 tough. 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. Winters are long and cold. Property taxes are high. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.