Random thought, I grew up here but left for a while. The median home value here is around $200,000, which is actually reasonable. Poverty rate is 7.8%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $695/month for a decent place. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Any advice would be great. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
2 upvotes
3 Replies
Aaron M.
I've lived in Uptown for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cultural scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Angel King
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 5 years. Moved from New York for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 challenging. 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. Nightlife is limited. Urban sprawl is real. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Aaron J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Eastside. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
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