Random thought, We have two kids and Homes are going for about $177,100 on average. Rent is about $925/month for a decent place. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
54 upvotes
5 Replies
Christine B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 24, moved here 13 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Highland and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - 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 housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 San Diego, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K 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
Declan N.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Minneapolis it's decent.
28 upvotes
Grayson Wood
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 38, moved here 5 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The housing market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K 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.
27 upvotes
Joshua W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely improving and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (East) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. safety 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.
16 upvotes
Brielle Green
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 9 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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