Hey everyone, It's a a smaller city city with about 51,791 people. Household incomes average around $53,803 in La Crosse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
11 upvotes
15 Replies
Luke C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 40, moved here 7 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in North and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The food scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Tampa, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
40 upvotes
Richard M.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Salt Lake City it's hit or miss.
39 upvotes
David
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 37, moved here 8 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Fairview and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The job market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 San Diego, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
26 upvotes
Violet Wood
Moved here from Boston about 9 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Everett Mendoza
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
23 upvotes
Adam S.
couldn't agree more
22 upvotes
Jaxon Cruz
100%
21 upvotes
Savannah A.
honestly same experience here
18 upvotes
Austin Gray
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 3 years. Moved from Charlotte for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are better than expected. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Homeless population growing downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Alexa Ward
it depends on the neighborhood
8 upvotes
Adeline Lee
thanks for sharing
6 upvotes
Angel Johnson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
5 upvotes
Amelia Hernandez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 14 years. Moved from Chicago for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. 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 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook 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. Limited public transit options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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