OK so I've been here for 17 years and Rent is about $1,222/month for a decent place. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What are your go-to spots?
9 upvotes
10 Replies
Denise B.
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
39 upvotes
Noah P.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Cedar Grove area are tough. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
Maya M.
I work in construction here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is challenging. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Kennedy Moore
Totally agree!
29 upvotes
Serenity Long
100%
20 upvotes
Katherine Baker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from San Francisco about 6 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Naomi Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 43, moved here 5 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Downtown and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Austin, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
16 upvotes
Lily Harris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 10 years ago. The main reasons were weather and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
9 upvotes
Elena R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely better than expected and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Fairview) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
All Countries
