Anyone else feel this way? Been living here since 2007. It's a a small town city with about 19,509 people. Poverty rate is 6.7%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
14 upvotes
3 Replies
Nova Mitchell
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
34 upvotes
Zoe P.
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Connor Flores
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 47, moved here 6 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in West and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.