Hi all, It's a a smaller city city with about 75,600 people. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Would love some local perspective. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
11 upvotes
21 Replies
Hunter Hall
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 Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - we have state parks 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 surprisingly good. 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. Dating scene is rough. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Emmett Harris
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The nightlife is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
Joyce J.
yeah no that's not right
32 upvotes
Isabelle Diaz
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 15 years. Moved from Denver for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 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:**
healthcare is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is decent - 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 hit or miss. 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. Limited entertainment options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Reagan Moore
+1
30 upvotes
Connor W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Denver about 5 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is excellent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
Ryan Turner
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
25 upvotes
Dennis R.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is solid in most areas.
25 upvotes
Piper Gomez
this is the way
22 upvotes
Leo R.
Moved here from Austin about 7 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to weather but Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Christian Rodriguez
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Oak Park area are underrated. Kids love it here.
20 upvotes
Joseph S.
Can confirm, been here 7 years.
20 upvotes
Nathan Nguyen
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Joseph Smith
facts
18 upvotes
Leo Wilson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
Isaiah Davis
wish I knew this sooner
18 upvotes
Elena W.
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
15 upvotes
Wyatt Nguyen
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
13 upvotes
Julia Nelson
wish I knew this sooner
11 upvotes
Denise H.
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much affordable but now it's challenging.
9 upvotes
Easton Rodriguez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Seattle it's improving.
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