I grew up here but left for a while. Homes are going for about $192,300 on average. The median home value here is around $192,300, which is actually reasonable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. Any advice would be great.
25 upvotes
5 Replies
Emilia Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 51, moved here 4 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in The Heights and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited shopping options
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K 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.
31 upvotes
Stella Gomez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
29 upvotes
Kaylee Gray
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely tough and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Midtown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
26 upvotes
Jean A.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
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