Been meaning to ask this. We have two kids and The median home value here is around $335,100, which seems about average. Household incomes average around $83,953 in Burnsville. Rent is about $1,501/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Friendly people
- Diverse community
- Low taxes
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Limited dining options
- Poor road conditions
Anyone in a similar situation? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development.
26 upvotes
19 Replies
Brooks Ruiz
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
38 upvotes
Scarlett Hernandez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 9 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
local_samuel94
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Piper Gomez
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
22 upvotes
Axel Bennett
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much wild but now it's improving.
18 upvotes
Jayden Ramos
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
17 upvotes
Benjamin Brooks
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Houston about 9 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Chloe White
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is excellent in most areas.
15 upvotes
Ezekiel Gutierrez
bump
14 upvotes
Bruce P.
noted, appreciate it
13 upvotes
Nolan Ruiz
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The job market is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
11 upvotes
born_evelyn31
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 36, moved here 15 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in North and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. average 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 Seattle, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
7 upvotes
Isaiah Kelly
Moved here from LA about 11 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to healthcare but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Samuel M.
yeah no that's not right
6 upvotes
Emma L.
couldn't agree more
5 upvotes
Luca
Came here for weather and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The job market is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
3 upvotes
Parker Long
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
1 upvotes
Roman W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Chicago about 3 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
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