Hello, Average temperature is around 44--F, so bundle up in winter. Poverty rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. With a population of 16,575, Ham Lake is a small town. Homes are going for about $430,100 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What do you all think? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
7 upvotes
6 Replies
Brielle T.
spot on
34 upvotes
Jack Patel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 33, moved here 9 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Riverside and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.
33 upvotes
Jaxon Bailey
this is the way
27 upvotes
Danielle T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 43, moved here 11 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in South and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K 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.
22 upvotes
Sebastian Harris
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
21 upvotes
Amelia W.
Came here for school and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor recreation is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
All Countries
