Just moved here 6 months ago and With a population of 31,958, Duluth is a smaller city. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
12 upvotes
12 Replies
Camila B.
honestly same experience here
38 upvotes
oakland_caroline
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Phoenix about 3 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Limited entertainment options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Leo D.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 36, moved here 5 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Fairview and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The traffic situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
34 upvotes
Christine R.
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 3 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Parker Torres
haha yep pretty much
31 upvotes
Gabriel Baker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 15 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Grace A.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
28 upvotes
Connor
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Atlanta about 9 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Mason Reyes
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely challenging and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Eastside) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation 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.
23 upvotes
Josiah Adams
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Phoenix it's improving.
21 upvotes
Silas C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to San Diego it's better than expected.
16 upvotes
Emmett Gomez
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The dating scene is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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