Curious what people think. I'm a teacher here and Average temperature is around 46--F, so expect cold winters. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Does this match your experience? Thanks for reading. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
9 upvotes
2 Replies
Jaxon Cooper
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 10 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 average. 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. Winters are long and cold. Property taxes are high. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Wesley
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Miami about 10 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is average.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
All Countries
