Longtime lurker here, I'm a remote worker and Average temperature is around 47--F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $1,316/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $88,534 in Maplewood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Let me know your thoughts. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
19 upvotes
7 Replies
Elizabeth Turner
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in East. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in construction. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Hailey Ortiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Denver about 1 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Emma D.
it depends on the neighborhood
24 upvotes
Deborah R.
I'm a chef and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Cameron Nelson
bump
17 upvotes
Melanie Gutierrez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 50, moved here 4 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Westside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K 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.
13 upvotes
Wesley Roberts
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 15 years. Moved from Seattle for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are average. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited entertainment options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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