Anyone else feel this way? I work in marketing and It's a a smaller city city with about 39,467 people. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
9 upvotes
3 Replies
Timothy M.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Nova Peterson
as a local I can confirm
16 upvotes
Christian M.
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 11 years. Moved from Phoenix for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts 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. Can feel isolated. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.