Hey folks, Been living here since 2024. It's a a mid-size city city with about 114K people. Poverty rate is 20.3%, which is higher than I expected. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
41 upvotes
11 Replies
Liam P.
haha yep pretty much
40 upvotes
Aurora Ortiz
been saying this for years
38 upvotes
Aurora Morales
hard disagree but ok
31 upvotes
Carolyn F.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
29 upvotes
Maya
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Jordan Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 46, moved here 7 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in South and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The school system situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
21 upvotes
Jacob Bailey
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 15 years. Moved from Houston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. 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:**
hospitality is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - we have lakes 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Rising rent and home prices. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Bennett Lopez
been saying this for years
16 upvotes
Adrian Torres
I'm a pharmacist and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
10 upvotes
Keith C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely tough and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (North) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
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