I'm a college student here and Homes are going for about $114,700 on average. The median home value here is around $114,700, which is actually reasonable. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Does this match your experience? TIA!
27 upvotes
11 Replies
emma_living
yeah no that's not right
38 upvotes
Ryan J.
wish I knew this sooner
38 upvotes
Riley Kim
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Atlanta about 14 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is excellent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Isabella Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 47, moved here 7 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Fairview and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The traffic situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Phoenix, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
31 upvotes
kcmind2023
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
27 upvotes
Abigail Perez
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
23 upvotes
Elizabeth Murphy
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 41, moved here 1 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Maple Ridge and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
23 upvotes
Sophie Scott
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
13 upvotes
Aaron White
noted, appreciate it
9 upvotes
Ella Kelly
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
3 upvotes
aurora_chef
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The healthcare is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.