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Thomas Ortiz moving

Is Ham Lake worth moving to in 2026?

So, Crime rate is something to consider -Ham Lake sits at 71.9 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $116,845, which feels pretty solid for the area. Homes are going for about $430,100 on average. Average temperature is around 44--F, so bundle up in winter. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Anyone in a similar situation? Appreciate any input. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
13 upvotes

4 Replies

Brooks Taylor
couldn't agree more
27 upvotes
Xavier Lopez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value job market, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Downtown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living 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.
20 upvotes
James M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.

I've been here 6 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is improving.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Gabriella R.
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
9 upvotes
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