Hey folks, I work in energy and The median home value here is around $944,000, which is pretty steep. Rent is about $2,622/month for a decent place. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Does this match your experience? Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
6 upvotes
3 Replies
Gabriel Wright
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Downtown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
29 upvotes
Maya R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 48, moved here 6 years ago from LA. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 LA, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
5 upvotes
Eli Garcia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from New York about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
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