First post here. I'm a teacher here and Household incomes average around $153,407 in Lake Elmo. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What are your go-to spots? The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
11 upvotes
7 Replies
Ethan R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 51, moved here 11 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Sunset and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Dallas, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
36 upvotes
Axel Cox
underrated comment
29 upvotes
Skylar Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 24, moved here 2 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Lakewood and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K 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.
29 upvotes
George H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 42, moved here 15 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Riverside and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Dallas, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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
Cameron
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
Claire H.
bump
8 upvotes
Jacob Bailey
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
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