OK so You can expect to pay around $1,279 for rent here. It's a a smaller city city with about 74,769 people. Median household income is $64,770, which feels about average for the area. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Anyone in a similar situation? The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
21 upvotes
2 Replies
Ann P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from New York about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Jackson Nelson
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 Denver for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. legal 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Property taxes are high. Road conditions need improvement. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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