Random thought, Military spouse here. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Mount Dora sits at 441.7 per 100K. Average temperature is around 71--F, so it's warm year-round. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. Am I wrong here? Looking forward to hearing from you all. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
12 upvotes
14 Replies
Peter L.
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
37 upvotes
Angel H.
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great craft beer places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
34 upvotes
Sophie Harris
Came here for quality of life and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
32 upvotes
Brooklyn Adams
I'm a sales manager and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
Mia Rodriguez
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great sushi places. the quality of life is solid.
29 upvotes
proud_eliana38
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Michael Roberts
Can confirm, been here 10 years.
21 upvotes
Naomi
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Riverside. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in retail. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like sushi.
No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Jose Davis
I've lived in South for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
- The outdoor recreation scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
Brielle Ruiz
I've lived in Midtown for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- The outdoor recreation scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
born_rylee41
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Madeline Cox
I'm a social worker and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
7 upvotes
Oliver B.
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 14 years. Moved from Austin for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails 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 pretty 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Road conditions need improvement. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.