My partner and I are It's a a small town city with about 20,334 people. Poverty rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Any advice would be great. Thanks for reading. The weather takes some getting used to.
12 upvotes
11 Replies
Levi Wood
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 48, moved here 9 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Greenfield and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.
35 upvotes
Paisley M.
facts
31 upvotes
raleigh_ruby
yep
29 upvotes
Matthew Morales
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Everett
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Henry Robinson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 50, moved here 13 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Fairview and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Chicago, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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
Gabriel Miller
nah I disagree
19 upvotes
Carson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Sarah G.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
12 upvotes
Everly Perez
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Claire Young
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor recreation is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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