Curious what people think. Born and raised here. Household incomes average around $108,256 in Marana. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Would love some local perspective.
9 upvotes
3 Replies
Andrew Thompson
Came here for weather and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community vibe is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
Joseph R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 55, moved here 15 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Greenfield and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The walkability situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Austin, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
33 upvotes
Audrey Price
I've lived in Old Town for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cultural scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
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