Rent is about $1,741/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
1 upvotes
14 Replies
Ava S.
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much competitive but now it's better than expected.
34 upvotes
Bella Adams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Minneapolis about 7 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Ariana A.
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The housing market is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
Leah Mitchell
hmm interesting perspective
28 upvotes
Santiago Gutierrez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 6 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Amanda T.
yep
22 upvotes
Isabelle Morales
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Adrian Hughes
Totally agree!
19 upvotes
Emmett Gonzalez
this is the way
17 upvotes
Alice J.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Boston about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is underrated.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Landon Ramirez
I work in engineering here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is underrated. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
Arianna Thompson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 24, moved here 14 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Sunset and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The food scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Baltimore, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K 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.
6 upvotes
Everly Howard
I've lived in Midtown for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The cultural scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
4 upvotes
Mia Peterson
I work in engineering here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is better than expected. Happy to answer more specific questions..