Random thought, Median household income is $81,200, which feels pretty solid for the area. Rent is about $1,165/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $1,165 for rent here. Household incomes average around $81,200 in Obetz. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. Is this normal for Obetz? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
12 upvotes
13 Replies
Claire Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 57, moved here 15 years ago from Miami. I've lived in North and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The walkability situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Miami, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
40 upvotes
Gregory L.
I'm a sales manager and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is average and there's always something going on.
30 upvotes
Lydia Jimenez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in government. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Everly Robinson
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
28 upvotes
Michael M.
yeah no that's not right
26 upvotes
Hudson Hall
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 8 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
Piper C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 50, moved here 8 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Westside and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
24 upvotes
Camila Thompson
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 11 years. Moved from Boston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have lakes 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 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. Rising rent and home prices. Urban sprawl is real. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Diana G.
Saving this thread
21 upvotes
Addison Kelly
hmm interesting perspective
20 upvotes
Roman Robinson
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The walkability is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
Owen Ramirez
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The food scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
Ryan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 7 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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