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Dorothy W.
best-worst
Trenton is underrated, change my mind
Hi all, Poverty rate is 20.7%, which is higher than I expected.
14 upvotes
9 Replies
Mason Martinez
same here
30 upvotes
Elizabeth Mendoza
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 7 years. Moved from Chicago for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. government 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have desert landscapes 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. Road conditions need improvement. Far from beaches/mountains. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Old Town for 7 years. Moved from Chicago for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. government 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have desert landscapes 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. Road conditions need improvement. Far from beaches/mountains. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Genesis C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 1 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I've been here 1 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
milwaukeemind2025
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 55, moved here 14 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Oak Park and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 55, moved here 14 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Oak Park and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
23 upvotes
Ezra Campbell
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Robert Evans
Came here for weather and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor recreation is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
13 upvotes
Hailey M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely decent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Springfield) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely decent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Springfield) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
11 upvotes
Lucas Mendoza
I've lived in Highland for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- The safety scene is solid
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- The safety scene is solid
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Emma T.
been saying this for years
8 upvotes