Curious what people think. I'm retired and Homes are going for about $475,400 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,773 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Woodland Park sits at 110.6 per 100K. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Am I overthinking this? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
12 upvotes
9 Replies
Adrian Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 36, moved here 12 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Westside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cultural scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Phoenix, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K 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.
35 upvotes
Leonardo Reyes
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
33 upvotes
Harper James
thanks for sharing
30 upvotes
Olivia Bailey
interesting, hadn't considered that
26 upvotes
Zoey G.
it depends on the neighborhood
25 upvotes
Maverick Phillips
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
24 upvotes
Genesis Ortiz
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 Seattle for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails 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 solid. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Far from beaches/mountains. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Adeline Myers
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Oliver Clark
Came here for family and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The healthcare is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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