Hey, We're a young couple and Average temperature is around 51°F, so expect cold winters. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. TIA! The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
18 upvotes
13 Replies
indy_grayson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 25, moved here 15 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Springfield and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. decent 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 Houston, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K 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.
40 upvotes
Lucy W.
Saving this thread
39 upvotes
Raymond C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Baltimore about 9 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Hailey Harris
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
24 upvotes
Everett Anderson
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 Houston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 tough. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited high-paying job options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Gabriel N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 56, moved here 11 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Uptown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K 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.
22 upvotes
Danielle O.
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Theodore C.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
Kaylee Lewis
I've lived in Old Town for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- The safety scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Isabella M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 2 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Wesley Alvarez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Isaiah Johnson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely excellent and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (East) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit 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.
6 upvotes
Liam Cook
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
All Countries
