Longtime lurker here, I'm single, late 30s, and Rent is about $1,886/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 5.8%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 10,674 people. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
6 upvotes
4 Replies
Jayden Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 57, moved here 11 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Westside and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Phoenix, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K 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.
29 upvotes
Jayden Roberts
I've lived in Old Town for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- The housing market scene is improving
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
Bradley F.
bump
11 upvotes
Anna Morris
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor recreation is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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