I'm a college student here and Household incomes average around $83,953 in Burnsville. Median household income is $83,953, which feels pretty solid for the area. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
10 upvotes
21 Replies
Colton Hill
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Oak Park area are decent. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
Brooks Kelly
haha yep pretty much
37 upvotes
nola_anna
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Raleigh it's better than expected.
35 upvotes
Dominic Bailey
I'm a pharmacist and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
34 upvotes
Henry
Bought a house here in 2024 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
34 upvotes
Hudson Phillips
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
33 upvotes
Austin Ruiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 58, moved here 9 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Lakewood and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited shopping options
3. The public transit situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Austin, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
32 upvotes
Ellie Rodriguez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is improving in most areas.
31 upvotes
Claire Castillo
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Houston about 15 years ago. The main reasons were weather and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
31 upvotes
Parker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from New York about 5 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Eliana Reed
great question, following
26 upvotes
Sophia G.
bump
26 upvotes
Denise H.
glad someone said it
26 upvotes
Natalie Sanders
couldn't agree more
25 upvotes
mountain_olivia38
I work in construction here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is average. Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Maverick Watson
Moved here from Phoenix about 11 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to job market but Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Lillian Collins
Totally agree!
12 upvotes
Oliver Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 25, moved here 8 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Eastside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The cost of living situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. hit or miss 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 Portland, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
6 upvotes
milwaukeewalker2021
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much reasonable but now it's solid.
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