Average temperature is around 44--F, so bundle up in winter. Household incomes average around $71,090 in Cokato. Homes are going for about $216,100 on average. The unemployment rate is 1.9%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Any advice would be great. Looking forward to hearing from you all. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
2 upvotes
15 Replies
Grace Martinez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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
Emma R.
couldn't agree more
38 upvotes
Nevaeh
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Isabella Rogers
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Greenfield. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
Grayson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 3 years. Moved from LA for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are improving. 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. Limited entertainment options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Kinsley Castillo
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from San Francisco about 8 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
24 upvotes
Weston Lee
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is average in most areas.
22 upvotes
Kennedy Ward
hmm interesting perspective
22 upvotes
Piper
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Italian places. it exceeded my expectations.
19 upvotes
Nathan Gray
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
15 upvotes
Robert Evans
not my experience at all
12 upvotes
Bennett
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Uptown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
10 upvotes
Maya M.
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Eleanor Jones
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 57, moved here 1 years ago from Portland. I've lived in West and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Portland, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
3 upvotes
Mackenzie Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 45, moved here 15 years ago from LA. I've lived in Sunset and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 LA, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
All Countries
