Anyone else feel this way? I'm a nurse at the local hospital and You can expect to pay around $866 for rent here. Homes are going for about $93,200 on average. Average temperature is around 55°F, so expect cold winters. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Thoughts? The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
20 upvotes
7 Replies
Andrew W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Raleigh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were weather and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Adrian Wright
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 32, moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Lakewood and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. tough 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 Minneapolis, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
33 upvotes
cool_ezekiel6
exactly what I was thinking
28 upvotes
Eva Parker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 6 years. Moved from San Diego for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are average. 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. Winters are long and cold. Property taxes are high. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Aurora Cruz
hmm interesting perspective
19 upvotes
Jackson Jimenez
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Downtown area are decent. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Samantha R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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