Considering Belmont vs Minneapolis -help me decide
Curious what people think. I grew up here but left for a while. Crime rate is something to consider -Belmont sits at 165.0 per 100K. Average temperature is around 59--F, so the weather is moderate. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What are your go-to spots? Thanks! Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
26 upvotes
4 Replies
Lucy James
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 15 years. Moved from Tampa for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is solid - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited shopping options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Kelly S.
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
31 upvotes
Arianna Sanders
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
20 upvotes
Eli
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Midtown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living 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.