Longtime lurker here, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Rent is about $1,265/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 1.6%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Is this normal for Odenville? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up.
13 upvotes
11 Replies
Hudson Williams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 54, moved here 10 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for remote workers. solid 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 Baltimore, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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
Sophia Perez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
34 upvotes
Hunter W.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
33 upvotes
Roy N.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 3 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Arianna Patel
Saving this thread
33 upvotes
Lucy Martinez
underrated comment
13 upvotes
Nova Sanchez
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 8 years. Moved from Baltimore for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
education is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Chain restaurants dominate. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, 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.
10 upvotes
Chloe F.
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Ellie G.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The weather is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
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