Hey everyone, My family moved here when I was a kid. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Levi Torres
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much growing but now it's better than expected.
35 upvotes
Leo Miller
I'm a accountant and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is average and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Aubrey
been saying this for years
28 upvotes
Elena Rogers
underrated comment
28 upvotes
Jameson Ross
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in government. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Hope this helps!.
24 upvotes
Gianna Mendoza
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
24 upvotes
minneapolisnative2022
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 48, moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in The Heights and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
Hudson S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely decent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Downtown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Homeless population growing downtown.
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.
21 upvotes
Lauren K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 34, moved here 10 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Lakewood and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong job market in several industries
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. Winters are long and cold
3. The traffic situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
21 upvotes
Sarah Wood
exactly what I was thinking
16 upvotes
Joseph C.
not my experience at all
16 upvotes
Emily Miller
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
12 upvotes
Violet Gomez
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
9 upvotes
Ian
big facts right here
2 upvotes
Nora Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 38, moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in North and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. average 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 Charlotte, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K 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.