Curious what people think. I relocated for work and It's a a small town city with about 20,845 people. Poverty rate is 7.3%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Thoughts? The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
0 upvotes
7 Replies
Madison S.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
40 upvotes
Silas Kim
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from LA about 11 years ago. The main reasons were weather and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
Roman Kelly
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 10 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Eliana B.
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
18 upvotes
Zoey
I work in tech here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is underrated. Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Nicholas Torres
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 6 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks 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 decent. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Dominic G.
Moved here from Dallas about 14 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to public transit but Good luck with whatever you decide..
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