Hello, Been living here since 2008. Homes are going for about $161,500 on average. It's a a small town city with about 20,606 people. Rent is about $1,071/month for a decent place. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
0 upvotes
3 Replies
Bennett L.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely solid and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Fairview) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
33 upvotes
atl_austin
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is decent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide..
4 upvotes
nyc_eliana
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Seattle about 7 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is excellent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
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