Curious what people think. I'm a remote worker and Crime rate is something to consider -Elk River sits at 59.8 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 1.9%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $338,300, which seems about average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
18 upvotes
3 Replies
Addison Kelly
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much growing but now it's hit or miss.
33 upvotes
Eli Collins
this is the way
21 upvotes
Katherine C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 34, moved here 2 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Meadowbrook and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Bugs and humidity in summer
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Denver, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.