Random thought, I grew up here but left for a while. Household incomes average around $88,945 in Paulden. You can expect to pay around $1,077 for rent here. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Am I overthinking this? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
1 upvotes
3 Replies
Mateo Nelson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 3 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
Miles Nguyen
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 13 years. Moved from LA for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails 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 surprisingly good. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Road conditions need improvement. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Matthew Morgan
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.