Longtime lurker here, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Poverty rate is 9.1%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $342,400, which seems about average. You can expect to pay around $1,794 for rent here. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
25 upvotes
15 Replies
Helen S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 51, moved here 5 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Eastside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The school system situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. 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 Denver, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K 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.
40 upvotes
Aaliyah Parker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Nashville about 10 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is solid.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Arianna J.
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
29 upvotes
Madeline Evans
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The cultural scene is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
22 upvotes
Everett Anderson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely better than expected and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (South) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit 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.
21 upvotes
Austin Brown
This.
17 upvotes
sophie_local
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to LA it's challenging.
16 upvotes
Alyssa C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely excellent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Sunset) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. job market 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.
15 upvotes
Amelia Mitchell
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
Philip L.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Pine Hills. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
12 upvotes
William D.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely excellent and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Downtown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
12 upvotes
Julian
following this thread
11 upvotes
Hudson
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
Christian Harris
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
3 upvotes
Addison G.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
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