I grew up here but left for a while. What would you do? Cheers. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
16 upvotes
14 Replies
Mackenzie Baker
bump
40 upvotes
Emily A.
facts
37 upvotes
Emma Scott
big facts right here
36 upvotes
Maverick Smith
seconding this
36 upvotes
Dorothy F.
+1
31 upvotes
Cameron Roberts
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
31 upvotes
Emma Martinez
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
30 upvotes
Luna Bennett
I've lived in Old Town for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
- The nightlife scene is average
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Austin Lee
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 36, moved here 11 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Pine Hills and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited shopping options
3. The weather situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Dallas, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
27 upvotes
Sofia
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 14 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
austin_david
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 36, moved here 10 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Eastside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Raleigh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
18 upvotes
Caroline Thompson
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
13 upvotes
Elena Allen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 3 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
4 upvotes
Genesis C.
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The healthcare is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..