The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $486,600 on average. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Worth the trade-offs? Thanks in advance!
1 upvotes
6 Replies
Aaron Gutierrez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Isaac Torres
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Italian places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
34 upvotes
Isaiah Hughes
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely decent and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Highland) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
12 upvotes
Gabriel L.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely challenging and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Springfield) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene 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.
11 upvotes
Gianna J.
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 12 years. Moved from Charlotte for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 excellent. 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. Can feel isolated. Limited entertainment options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Audrey Jimenez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 14 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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