Longtime lurker here, I'm a teacher here and Median household income is $59,216, which feels about average for the area. Poverty rate is 11.3%, which is around average. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Any advice would be great.
2 upvotes
15 Replies
Amelia B.
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 6 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. education 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have beaches 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 underrated. 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. Property taxes are high. Limited entertainment options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Isaiah Wood
it depends on the neighborhood
39 upvotes
Cooper Gonzalez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Sophia
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely decent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
34 upvotes
Aaron Davis
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely better than expected and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (North) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
32 upvotes
Skylar Hill
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Greenfield area are solid. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
harper_native
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 43, moved here 12 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in West and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Atlanta, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K 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.
28 upvotes
Ella G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
25 upvotes
Jacqueline C.
I work in marketing here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is pretty good. Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Delilah Harris
Moved here from New York about 8 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to healthcare but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
nola_sadie
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
21 upvotes
Julia
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Highland area are improving. Kids love it here.
18 upvotes
Gabriel B.
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much developing but now it's solid.
16 upvotes
Olivia G.
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
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