OK so What would you do? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
7 upvotes
7 Replies
Isla Phillips
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
38 upvotes
Madison W.
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much competitive but now it's challenging.
31 upvotes
Grace Myers
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Melanie Morgan
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The cost of living is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
22 upvotes
Mia
hard disagree but ok
10 upvotes
Isabelle Edwards
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 43, moved here 15 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Eastside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
9 upvotes
Jayden
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 2 years. Moved from Chicago for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is tough - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are hit or miss. 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. Rising rent and home prices. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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