Why I chose Inver Grove Heights over bigger cities
Not sure if this has been asked before, but I grew up here but left for a while. Rent is about $1,447/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $104,055, which feels pretty solid for the area. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up.
2 upvotes
2 Replies
Dominic Thompson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Michael W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 8 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited public transit options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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