Considering Lake Magdalene vs Minneapolis -help me decide
I'm a college student here and You can expect to pay around $1,342 for rent here. Rent is about $1,342/month for a decent place. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Should I be concerned? Any help is appreciated. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
15 upvotes
13 Replies
Leah Morgan
Moved here last year, no regrets.
37 upvotes
Piper T.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
Dominic Sanders
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 50, moved here 6 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Pine Hills and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The walkability situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K 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.
34 upvotes
Isaac Ward
I've lived in Sunset for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The food scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Willow N.
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
22 upvotes
Caleb W.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
22 upvotes
Theodore S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 46, moved here 6 years ago from LA. I've lived in South and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The school system situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
22 upvotes
Emily Taylor
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
19 upvotes
Aaron
I'm a data analyst and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
11 upvotes
Jameson Anderson
facts
11 upvotes
Amy G.
great question, following
9 upvotes
Leo Gonzalez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 5 years. Moved from Baltimore for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. real estate 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are improving. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Far from beaches/mountains. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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