Hello, We're a young couple and You can expect to pay around $1,636 for rent here. Homes are going for about $321,900 on average. The unemployment rate is 5.2%, which is about average. Rent is about $1,636/month for a decent place. Median household income is $63,832, which feels about average for the area. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Growing food scene
- Low crime in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Cold winters
- Limited dining options
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Poor road conditions
Thanks! Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
1 upvotes
12 Replies
Wyatt Wright
The food scene here is average. Tons of great craft beer places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
38 upvotes
Asher Scott
Can confirm, been here 5 years.
38 upvotes
Robert Taylor
Moved here last year, no regrets.
32 upvotes
Lydia Baker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in East. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Violet R.
I've lived in North for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
- The weather scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
William
Used to live on the Westside side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
16 upvotes
chill_delilah33
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
14 upvotes
Nicholas Cooper
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 2 years. Moved from Portland for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. marketing 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's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 solid. 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. Winters are long and cold. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Miles Cook
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Springfield. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in education. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Southern.
No regrets on my end..
10 upvotes
Lucy Ramirez
I've lived in Old Town for about 7 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 Diego, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- The cultural scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
8 upvotes
Elizabeth Martinez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
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