Been meaning to ask this. Poverty rate is 13.5%, which is around average. Crime rate is something to consider -West Buechel sits at 466.9 per 100K. Homes are going for about $152,600 on average. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Anyone in a similar situation? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
0 upvotes
3 Replies
Reagan R.
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 4 years. Moved from LA for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
engineering is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Can feel isolated. Homeless population growing downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
aurora_guy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Raleigh about 7 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
5 upvotes
Abigail Anderson
I'm a accountant and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
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