Military spouse here. Rent is about $1,109/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $71,016 in Seward. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up.
0 upvotes
7 Replies
Evelyn Jackson
100%
39 upvotes
Kennedy Jackson
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Southern places. the quality of life is solid.
25 upvotes
Skylar Chavez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 33, moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Fairview and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Pittsburgh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
24 upvotes
Violet Brooks
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 15 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
14 upvotes
nashville_stella
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
7 upvotes
born_greyson38
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 3 years. Moved from Denver for quality of life. 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 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:**
tech is strong here. consulting 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 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. Limited shopping options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
tampagirl2023
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.