So, Born and raised here. Poverty rate is 13.1%, which is around average. The median home value here is around $677,600, which is pretty steep. The city has invested a lot in new development. Am I overthinking this?
0 upvotes
12 Replies
Noah W.
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
40 upvotes
Allison Jones
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 2 years. Moved from New York for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 better than expected. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Everett Mitchell
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
39 upvotes
Scarlett Hughes
same here
38 upvotes
Ezekiel Castillo
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely solid and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (The Heights) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
37 upvotes
Serenity W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely underrated and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Midtown) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
35 upvotes
Maverick Ramos
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Atlanta about 1 years ago. The main reasons were work and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Emmett Campbell
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely decent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
22 upvotes
Olivia R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
12 upvotes
Piper Anderson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely solid and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Midtown) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
11 upvotes
Noah
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in South area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Levi Torres
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is decent in most areas.
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