Curious what people think. I'm originally from Miami and Rent is about $1,572/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 68°F, so the weather is moderate. It's a a mid-size city city with about 128K people. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
12 upvotes
4 Replies
Sadie E.
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 10 years. Moved from Denver for weather. 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 up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - we have rivers 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 average. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Wyatt Nelson
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
35 upvotes
Matthew Evans
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely tough and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Westside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
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