I relocated for work and Household incomes average around $66,263 in Duluth. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
2 upvotes
11 Replies
Adrian Nelson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 12 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Henry S.
couldn't agree more
27 upvotes
Kayden H.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The pet-friendliness is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
21 upvotes
Valentina Johnson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely underrated and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
20 upvotes
Leo
I work in retail here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is challenging. Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Vivian M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Nashville about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Daniel Hernandez
The food scene here is average. Tons of great BBQ places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
14 upvotes
Benjamin R.
I'm a marketing manager and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
13 upvotes
fresnolocal2023
I work in education here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is better than expected. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Carter M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 45, moved here 9 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Lakewood and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. challenging 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 Baltimore, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$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.
5 upvotes
tucsonkid2025
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 7 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 Denver, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The walkability scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..