Random thought, I'm originally from Las Vegas and Crime rate is something to consider -Milltown sits at 28.5 per 100K. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
14 upvotes
9 Replies
Leonardo Garcia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 28, moved here 7 years ago from Portland. I've lived in East and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Portland, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
34 upvotes
Willow Alvarez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 9 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are tough. 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. Nightlife is limited. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Betty G.
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Theodore Miller
Moved here from Denver about 8 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to dating scene but Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Lillian Hughes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Raleigh about 13 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is average.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Julia O.
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
24 upvotes
Violet Harris
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 7 years. Moved from LA for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches 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 underrated. 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 very walkable outside downtown. Homeless population growing downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Sofia Price
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Denver about 12 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
nycvibes2022
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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