Longtime lurker here, Born and raised here. Household incomes average around $56,250 in Payne. Median household income is $56,250, which feels about average for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. Any advice would be great.
12 upvotes
10 Replies
Zoe Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 41, moved here 5 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Old Town and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The school system situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
34 upvotes
Avery Rivera
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Sebastian Clark
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
29 upvotes
philly_alexander
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Old Town area are excellent. Kids love it here.
19 upvotes
Hannah Ross
hard disagree but ok
17 upvotes
George H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Uptown) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
16 upvotes
Mason
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
11 upvotes
Ryan Cox
I work in government here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is decent. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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