My partner and I are The median home value here is around $120,200, which is actually reasonable. You can expect to pay around $884 for rent here. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
11 upvotes
4 Replies
Christian Hughes
couldn't agree more
25 upvotes
Elena Phillips
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 9 years. Moved from Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. engineering 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have mountains 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 improving. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Road conditions need improvement. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, 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
Delilah Garcia
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
20 upvotes
Lydia J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 51, moved here 13 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Downtown and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The community vibe situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for families. surprisingly good 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 Denver, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K 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.
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