Anyone else feel this way? Homes are going for about $229,700 on average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Any advice would be great. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Wyatt Garcia
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
38 upvotes
Robert Nelson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 4 years. Moved from Baltimore for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited shopping options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, 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.
37 upvotes
Allison K.
I'm a nurse and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
33 upvotes
Connor Smith
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Sadie King
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
31 upvotes
Everly L.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Greyson Phillips
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 58, moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Westside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 San Francisco, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
13 upvotes
cool_kinsley19
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much stable but now it's better than expected.
12 upvotes
John W.
I'm a pharmacist and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
12 upvotes
Paisley Myers
I've lived in Old Town for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- The traffic scene is improving
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
5 upvotes
Hannah Brooks
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Chicago about 11 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
1 upvotes
Jacob Foster
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Raleigh about 5 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
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