Curious what people think. My partner and I are Household incomes average around $73,320 in Bridgeton. You can expect to pay around $1,124 for rent here. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Am I wrong here? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
11 upvotes
4 Replies
Declan Garcia
yep
37 upvotes
emmett_heart
honestly same experience here
24 upvotes
Victoria Richardson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Seattle about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Sophia Jimenez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 57, moved here 9 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in The Heights and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K 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.