Military spouse here. Crime rate is something to consider -Palmer Ranch sits at 187.1 per 100K. Rent is about $1,819/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $563,000, which is pretty steep. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. What are your go-to spots? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
5 upvotes
3 Replies
Peyton Perez
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 school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts 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. Can feel isolated. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
minneapoliswalker2026
good to know, thanks
19 upvotes
Aurora Carter
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
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