Random thought, Median household income is $144,639, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. TIA! The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
6 upvotes
14 Replies
Liam J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 13 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate 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 decent - we have ski resorts 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Dating scene is rough. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Luca
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 14 years. Moved from San Diego for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. marketing 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 pretty good - we have ski resorts 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 decent. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
bostonvibes2021
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 15 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Charlotte C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 15 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
30 upvotes
Connor M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 46, moved here 10 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Downtown and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Tampa, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
27 upvotes
Arthur J.
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
24 upvotes
Addison Edwards
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Elizabeth Gutierrez
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
11 upvotes
Aiden Anderson
I work in engineering here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is underrated. Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Autumn R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Reagan White
hmm interesting perspective
8 upvotes
Gabriella M.
literally same
5 upvotes
Grace Martinez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely better than expected and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
5 upvotes
Allison T.
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
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