The median home value here is around $377,400, which seems about average. Homes are going for about $377,400 on average. Median household income is $110,126, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 50,749 people. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What neighborhoods would you suggest? TIA! I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
10 upvotes
18 Replies
Jackson Morales
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Atlanta about 1 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is challenging.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Brooklyn Castillo
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
37 upvotes
Isabelle
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
Clara M.
couldn't agree more
28 upvotes
sdchef2023
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Tampa it's pretty good.
25 upvotes
Wyatt Castillo
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much wild but now it's average.
25 upvotes
Cameron Brooks
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
21 upvotes
Elizabeth White
I've lived in Old Town for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- The pet-friendliness scene is average
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
indy_andrew
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Houston about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
Declan Brown
I'm a contractor and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
18 upvotes
true_carson24
this is the way
15 upvotes
Isaac M.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much established but now it's improving.
13 upvotes
Maya Gutierrez
+1
12 upvotes
Jaxon Baker
Totally agree!
11 upvotes
Grace Howard
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
7 upvotes
Zoey Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 29, moved here 11 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Greenfield and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
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