Been meaning to ask this. I'm single, late 30s, and With a population of 35,772, Inver Grove Heights is a smaller city. Crime rate is something to consider -Inver Grove Heights sits at 218.7 per 100K. Homes are going for about $352,300 on average. Median household income is $104,055, which feels pretty solid for the area. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Does this match your experience? Any help is appreciated.
21 upvotes
11 Replies
Maverick Adams
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Hudson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Atlanta it's solid.
36 upvotes
John Martinez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 2 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Colton R.
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The traffic scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Victoria
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Houston about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Lucy M.
not my experience at all
16 upvotes
Owen Reed
not my experience at all
16 upvotes
alice_heart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 45, moved here 14 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Westside and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - 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 job market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. underrated 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 Miami, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
Colton Jones
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in The Heights area are excellent. Kids love it here.
2 upvotes
Declan Ramos
nah I disagree
1 upvotes
Kinsley Sanders
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Downtown. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in construction. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
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