Hello, Crime rate is something to consider -Passaic sits at 529.9 per 100K. Homes are going for about $406,500 on average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Does this match your experience?
12 upvotes
16 Replies
Leo Turner
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in East. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
36 upvotes
Robert R.
noted, appreciate it
36 upvotes
Nolan Foster
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely average and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
29 upvotes
Sophia Hughes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 8 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Julian C.
facts
25 upvotes
Violet Torres
couldn't agree more
25 upvotes
urban_david20
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
18 upvotes
Skylar Collins
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Cedar Grove area are improving. Kids love it here.
18 upvotes
Amelia K.
100%
15 upvotes
Reagan Lopez
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 3 years. Moved from Minneapolis for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
hospitality is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 average. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Eva P.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
13 upvotes
Asher Hernandez
thanks for sharing
10 upvotes
Mason Price
spot on
9 upvotes
Oliver Bailey
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Alice M.
honestly same experience here
4 upvotes
Landon Martin
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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