Hey folks, The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 76°F, so it's warm year-round. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development.
18 upvotes
3 Replies
Valentina Jimenez
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 Raleigh for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 better than expected. 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. Limited entertainment options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Mateo D.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 44, moved here 6 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Lakewood and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The public transit situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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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