Been meaning to ask this. I'm a remote worker and Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Am I overthinking this?
8 upvotes
13 Replies
nola_andrew
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much manageable but now it's surprisingly good.
40 upvotes
Skylar Torres
I'm a software engineer and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
Elizabeth H.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Dallas 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 Riverside. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in finance. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Brooks Jimenez
bump
25 upvotes
robert_girl
Came here for family and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The safety is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
19 upvotes
Josiah Young
lol so true
19 upvotes
Autumn W.
I work in healthcare here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is average. Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Grace Miller
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 45, moved here 2 years ago from LA. I've lived in West and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 LA, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$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.
10 upvotes
Carter Roberts
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Aiden W.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
8 upvotes
Gabriella M.
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 2 years. Moved from Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is improving - we have national forests 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 improving. 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. Limited public transit options. Property taxes are high. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Katherine H.
bump
5 upvotes
Angel Cox
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much manageable but now it's improving.
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