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Alexa Clark
living
Why I chose Duluth over bigger cities
Hey everyone, I relocated for work and Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
5 upvotes
29 Replies
Naomi Hughes
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Declan Cook
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 33, moved here 10 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Springfield and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 San Francisco, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 33, moved here 10 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Springfield and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 San Francisco, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
36 upvotes
atl_john
bump
35 upvotes
Axel Cruz
I'm a data analyst and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
34 upvotes
Benjamin R.
I'm a teacher and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
Rylee Robinson
Used to live on the West side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
30 upvotes
Hannah Evans
Can confirm, been here 11 years.
30 upvotes
native_isabella67
interesting, hadn't considered that
28 upvotes
Isabelle S.
Saving this thread
28 upvotes
Savannah Clark
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in South area are solid. Kids love it here.
28 upvotes
Wesley Ramirez
underrated comment
28 upvotes
Violet Brooks
seconding this
27 upvotes
Gabriella Taylor
I'm a software engineer and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
26 upvotes
Aurora Ruiz
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Dallas it's pretty good.
26 upvotes
Arianna Mitchell
I'm a lawyer and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
24 upvotes
Joseph S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 4 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
I've been here 4 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
Addison Cooper
glad someone said it
22 upvotes
Madelyn Morales
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
Hazel
Moved here from Phoenix about 9 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to traffic but Feel free to reach out with questions..
21 upvotes
Greyson Wilson
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
Everly B.
+1
11 upvotes
Mia Robinson
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The walkability is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Zoe Young
I've lived in Springfield for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Diverse dining options
- The dating scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Diverse dining options
- The dating scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
Maya Morris
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
8 upvotes
Grayson M.
Can confirm, been here 13 years.
6 upvotes
joshua_lover
+1
5 upvotes
hunter_mind
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The housing market is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
Charlotte Mendoza
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
4 upvotes
Harper Carter
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Downtown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Downtown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
3 upvotes