Considering Detroit Lakes vs St. Louis -help me decide
Not sure if this has been asked before, but Median household income is $62,123, which feels about average for the area. Average temperature is around 40--F, so bundle up in winter. The median home value here is around $246,200, which is actually reasonable. You can expect to pay around $925 for rent here. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What would you do? Any help is appreciated. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up.
2 upvotes
2 Replies
Grace Castillo
yeah no that's not right
23 upvotes
living_olivia13
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 51, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Lakewood and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: 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 LA, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.