Not sure if this has been asked before, but I relocated for work and Med
2 upvotes
13 Replies
Elizabeth H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
36 upvotes
Elijah
haha yep pretty much
35 upvotes
Zoey
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 13 years. Moved from Minneapolis for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are average. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Alexander Mendoza
Came here for retirement and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor recreation is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
29 upvotes
Jayden Howard
same here
27 upvotes
Nathan Baker
Bought a house here in 2022 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
25 upvotes
Eliana Walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 2 years. Moved from Austin for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is tough - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are tough. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Property taxes are high. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Isla Stewart
been saying this for years
20 upvotes
Ellie Wright
I work in tech here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is tough. Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Benjamin Adams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Miami about 10 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is decent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Grace Collins
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
Miles Watson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 13 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Brooks Edwards
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.