So, Poverty rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Thoughts? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
8 upvotes
8 Replies
Gabriel Ramirez
100%
35 upvotes
Aubrey Adams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 9 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Julian James
couldn't agree more
31 upvotes
Julia C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in South. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in legal. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Michael Morales
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 8 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Aria Thompson
wish I knew this sooner
11 upvotes
Roman B.
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 13 years. Moved from Houston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. healthcare 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 average. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Bugs and humidity in summer. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, 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.
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