Median household income is $86,979, which feels pretty solid for the area. Poverty rate is 5.9%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What do you all think? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
55 upvotes
3 Replies
Nova Johnson
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 Pittsburgh for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - we have mountains 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 challenging. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Can feel isolated. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Cora Garcia
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Maple Ridge. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in tech. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
Ruby M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 30, moved here 3 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Oak Park and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The pet-friendliness situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Miami, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
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