OK so With a population of 5,682, Benton Park is a small town. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
0 upvotes
9 Replies
Olivia Sanchez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is tough.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Nora C.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
39 upvotes
David Alvarez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 56, moved here 6 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in West and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Tampa, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
37 upvotes
dc_kai
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
36 upvotes
Connor James
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
33 upvotes
Cora Kim
Bought a house here in 2016 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
31 upvotes
Xavier Gutierrez
been saying this for years
24 upvotes
Kennedy O.
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
16 upvotes
Eli Baker
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to San Francisco it's excellent.
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