Not sure if this has been asked before, but Just moved here 15 months ago and Rent is about $998/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 7.7%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 10,213 people. Homes are going for about $203,600 on average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Worth the trade-offs? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
14 upvotes
3 Replies
Ruby Richardson
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 3 years. Moved from Phoenix for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is decent - we have desert landscapes 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Can feel isolated. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Dylan Ross
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely improving and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Uptown) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
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