So, I've been here for 15 years and Rent is about $1,248/month for a decent place. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What do you all think? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up.
11 upvotes
15 Replies
river_noah73
Saving this thread
39 upvotes
Madelyn
interesting, hadn't considered that
32 upvotes
Kennedy Cook
interesting, hadn't considered that
28 upvotes
Isabella Murphy
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
28 upvotes
Mateo Rivera
big facts right here
27 upvotes
John Wood
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 6 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Carson B.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
18 upvotes
Hunter Smith
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
14 upvotes
Owen Edwards
as a local I can confirm
11 upvotes
William R.
I work in tech here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is average. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
Easton Ruiz
spot on
5 upvotes
Jayden Ward
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
3 upvotes
Nolan
This.
3 upvotes
Ryan Cox
100%
2 upvotes
phillysoul2021
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 4 years. Moved from Atlanta for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 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:**
finance is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have national forests 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 decent. 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. Winters are long and cold. Homeless population growing downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
