So, I'm a teacher here and The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $2,115/month for a decent place. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Any advice would be great. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
29 upvotes
7 Replies
Easton Baker
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to San Francisco it's improving.
23 upvotes
Jordan Johnson
+1
23 upvotes
Carson
seconding this
16 upvotes
Lily
hmm interesting perspective
16 upvotes
Gabriel Ramirez
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 8 years. Moved from San Francisco for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have lakes 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. Limited public transit options. Chain restaurants dominate. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Dominic G.
I've lived in Old Town for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The nightlife scene is decent
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
9 upvotes
Isabelle Thompson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely underrated and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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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