All Countries
James M.
qa
How are the schools in Ham Lake?
First post here. My family moved here when I was a kid. Is this normal for Ham Lake?
0 upvotes
2 Replies
Nora M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 8 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
I've been here 8 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Alice Walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 49, moved here 5 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Lakewood and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally average - 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 public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Austin, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
Background: I'm a social worker, 49, moved here 5 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Lakewood and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally average - 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 public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Austin, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
8 upvotes