Hey, I grew up here but left for a while. Homes are going for about $388,500 on average. The unemployment rate is 5.2%, which is about average. Median household income is $79,476, which feels about average for the area. Rent is about $1,798/month for a decent place. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What neighborhoods would you suggest? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
5 upvotes
5 Replies
Scarlett Long
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Ava
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 42, moved here 14 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in West and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K 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.
6 upvotes
Elijah Wood
Bought a house here in 2023 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
6 upvotes
Claire Roberts
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely excellent and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
5 upvotes
Connor Baker
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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