First post here. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Crime rate is something to consider -Woodside sits at 41.6 per 100K. Rent is about $3,501/month for a decent place. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
13 upvotes
6 Replies
Alice J.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
20 upvotes
Jordan Ross
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in education. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
vegaspapa2020
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 3 years. Moved from Nashville for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. retail 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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 decent. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Rising rent and home prices. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Melanie Mendoza
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Portland it's average.
9 upvotes
Lydia Richardson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 47, moved here 11 years ago from LA. I've lived in Lakewood and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cost of living situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 LA, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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.
9 upvotes
Leo W.
I'm a project manager and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
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