I grew up here but left for a while. Homes are going for about $183,500 on average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Any advice would be great. The suburbs are where most families end up.
2 upvotes
7 Replies
Isabelle Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 42, moved here 10 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Old Town and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
33 upvotes
Joseph Cruz
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
27 upvotes
loving_emilia26
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
21 upvotes
Oliver R.
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
18 upvotes
Nora P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Phoenix about 4 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited entertainment options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is tough.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
Pamela J.
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The cultural scene is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
11 upvotes
Denise B.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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