Platteville vs Austin -which is better?

Nicholas Martin Mar 7, 2025

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 4 years. Moved from Denver for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.

**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. finance 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have mountains 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 underrated. 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. Dating scene is rough. And cultural scene can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.

35 upvotes

Skylar Rivera Mar 14, 2025

Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.

I've been here 3 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into running, this place is underrated.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

It's not for everyone but it works for us..

23 upvotes