We have two kids and It's a a small town city with about 7,214 people. Rent is about $1,611/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $1,611 for rent here. Household incomes average around $88,359 in Mills River. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
Pros:
- Great weather
- Good job market
- Easy commute
Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Rising rent prices
- Few job opportunities in some fields
Any advice would be great. Appreciate any input. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development.
11 upvotes
8 Replies
Aaliyah Myers
preach
37 upvotes
omaha_paisley
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Camila R.
I've lived in Old Town for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- The nightlife scene is improving
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Gabriella Gray
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The school system is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
31 upvotes
Avery Bennett
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 1 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Violet Moore
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Dallas about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
Zoey Mitchell
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
Evan Cox
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 35, moved here 5 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Midtown and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Charlotte, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
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