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Lily Williams living

Raising a family in Saddlebrooke -thoughts?

Hey, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $471,700, which is pretty steep. Homes are going for about $471,700 on average. Poverty rate is 4.8%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.

Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events

Cons:
- Hot summers
- Cold winters
- Sprawl everywhere
- Lack of diversity
- Far from major airports
Appreciate any input. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
2 upvotes

3 Replies

John King
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 5 years. Moved from Portland for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
real estate is strong here. construction 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 challenging - we have hiking trails 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 tough. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Chain restaurants dominate. And healthcare can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Sofia
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
19 upvotes
Hunter Bailey
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
18 upvotes
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