Longtime lurker here, I've been here for 1 years and You can expect to pay around $728 for rent here. Poverty rate is 20.9%, which is higher than I expected. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What do you all think? Any help is appreciated. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to.
6 upvotes
9 Replies
Austin Foster
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely improving and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (South) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
38 upvotes
Leah Cooper
nah I disagree
38 upvotes
James M.
spot on
34 upvotes
Benjamin Cook
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 55, moved here 13 years ago from Boston. I've lived in The Heights and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The dating scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Boston, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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
Douglas R.
noted, appreciate it
5 upvotes
Gabriella Moore
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
2 upvotes
Jameson Miller
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from New York about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
2 upvotes
dallasmind2026
I work in consulting here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
1 upvotes
Wesley Martin
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Minneapolis about 2 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited entertainment options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is average.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
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