Anyone else feel this way? I'm originally from Tucson and Poverty rate is 1.9%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to.
40 upvotes
25 Replies
Waylon Davis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 44, moved here 3 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Oak Park and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - 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 food scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. hit or miss 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 Miami, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K 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.
40 upvotes
Peyton Gomez
facts
39 upvotes
Bella Perez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
39 upvotes
Scarlett W.
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
37 upvotes
Hannah Moore
I've lived in Downtown for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- The pet-friendliness scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Emma Ross
this is the way
33 upvotes
Megan R.
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Mediterranean places. the quality of life is solid.
32 upvotes
Isaac Cox
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely pretty good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
31 upvotes
Eva Sanchez
I work in hospitality here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is excellent. Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Aaliyah Chavez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Houston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were work and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Adrian C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 7 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Parker Lewis
good to know, thanks
21 upvotes
Isaiah Ortiz
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Vietnamese places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
21 upvotes
Silas Morgan
Moved here last year, no regrets.
13 upvotes
Evan T.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
12 upvotes
Oliver Walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 8 years. Moved from Raleigh for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Limited high-paying job options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Cooper Foster
noted, appreciate it
11 upvotes
Jaxon Flores
wish I knew this sooner
10 upvotes
minneapolisliving2026
yeah no that's not right
9 upvotes
Maya M.
Moved here from Chicago about 2 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to school system but No regrets on my end..
9 upvotes
Abigail Harris
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
9 upvotes
Melanie Wood
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 15 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Emma White
this is the way
4 upvotes
Adrian Murphy
I work in real estate here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
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