Hey folks, I work in government and Homes are going for about $238,000 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
17 upvotes
9 Replies
Emily Roberts
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Mason Gomez
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Isla Hill
I'm a software engineer and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
33 upvotes
river_vivian4
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
29 upvotes
David R.
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
28 upvotes
Delilah Walker
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
28 upvotes
tucsonvibes2020
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 57, moved here 5 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Lakewood and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Raleigh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
19 upvotes
Emmett T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from San Diego about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Evelyn Bennett
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 Tampa for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have biking 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 surprisingly good. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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