Been meaning to ask this. Been living here since 2020. Poverty rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $92,671, which feels pretty solid for the area. Rent is about $1,231/month for a decent place. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
30 upvotes
4 Replies
Shirley W.
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Mexican places. it was the best decision I ever made.
10 upvotes
Janice E.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 43, moved here 10 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Portland, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K 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.
10 upvotes
Cora Adams
it depends on the neighborhood
7 upvotes
Stella M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Minneapolis about 6 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
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 growing, gas is solid.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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