Curious what people think. Been living here since 2012. It's a a small town city with about 6,856 people. You can expect to pay around $1,017 for rent here. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
8 upvotes
8 Replies
Lily P.
noted, appreciate it
37 upvotes
Eliana R.
it depends on the neighborhood
36 upvotes
Victoria Stewart
bump
29 upvotes
Arianna Carter
couldn't agree more
24 upvotes
sadie_heart
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is solid in most areas.
23 upvotes
Mateo Garcia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 52, moved here 15 years ago from New York. I've lived in Fairview and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 New York, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
21 upvotes
Wesley Morris
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
9 upvotes
Ralph S.
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 12 years. Moved from Baltimore for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. hospitality 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 pretty 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. Limited high-paying job options. Limited shopping options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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