Crime rate is something to consider -Duluth sits at 340.1 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $225,700 on average. Household incomes average around $66,263 in Duluth. Average temperature is around 43--F, so bundle up in winter. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Friendly people
- Low crime in most areas
- Easy commute
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Limited dining options
- Lack of diversity
- Mosquitoes and humidity
- Not enough green space
The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
1 upvotes
14 Replies
Chloe R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Austin about 7 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Aria Williams
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
39 upvotes
Ezra
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 55, moved here 7 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Riverside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The safety situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. 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 Baltimore, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K 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.
38 upvotes
Kaylee Brown
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
36 upvotes
Robert
yep
32 upvotes
Michael Foster
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Midtown. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
Aaliyah Sanchez
I've lived in Downtown for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The pet-friendliness scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
Marilyn R.
lol so true
24 upvotes
Daniel M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 56, moved here 14 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Lakewood and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K 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.
23 upvotes
wild_jameson26
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Dallas about 13 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
Daniel Moore
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The cost of living is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
12 upvotes
Xavier Young
I've lived in Westside for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The walkability scene is improving
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
Josiah
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Kaylee Rodriguez
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
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