Hey folks, I work in food service and With a population of 86,863, Duluth is a smaller city. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
12 upvotes
19 Replies
Scarlett Watson
wish I knew this sooner
40 upvotes
Dylan Wilson
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
Virginia K.
I work in construction here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is underrated. Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Angel Lopez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Maple Ridge. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in retail. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Italian.
No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Grayson Jackson
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
29 upvotes
Maverick Ramos
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
27 upvotes
Jack R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 7 years. Moved from LA for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are underrated. 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. Limited public transit options. Property taxes are high. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Victoria Ramos
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
24 upvotes
Natalie C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from San Francisco about 7 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Axel A.
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Sophia Hughes
preach
17 upvotes
Addison Foster
same here
16 upvotes
Maya
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Atlanta about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
jeremiah_soul
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
12 upvotes
Joseph G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Seattle about 5 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
Colton Jones
Bought a house here in 2024 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
10 upvotes
Peyton Green
glad someone said it
4 upvotes
dallas_caroline
I work in finance here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
Jose Harris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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