We have two kids and Poverty rate is 8.5%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 0.8%, which is pretty low. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Thanks for reading.
2 upvotes
7 Replies
Caroline Johnson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely excellent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (The Heights) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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
Zoey T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 6 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Emilia Robinson
it depends on the neighborhood
31 upvotes
Carter Rivera
Moved here from Chicago about 12 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to cultural scene but Feel free to reach out with questions..
21 upvotes
Margaret R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 25, moved here 14 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Oak Park and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Tampa, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K 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.
19 upvotes
Melanie M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 57, moved here 15 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Sunset and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The community vibe situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. decent 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 Raleigh, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
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