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Riley Torres housing

Is it worth buying in Oro Valley?

Longtime lurker here, I'm a remote worker and Rent is about $1,602/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. TIA! The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
18 upvotes

2 Replies

Sofia Thomas
I work in real estate here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is excellent. No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Connor Mitchell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a chef, 56, moved here 4 years ago from Austin. I've lived in West and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Austin, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.

**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
15 upvotes
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