I'm originally from Minneapolis and Median household income is $87,105, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 41,690 people. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What would you do?
22 upvotes
14 Replies
Emilia B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 48, moved here 13 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Sunset and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The community vibe situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. challenging 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 Seattle, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
40 upvotes
Landon Long
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
phillymama2024
great question, following
32 upvotes
Elijah
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Seattle about 15 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Adeline Cox
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 7 years. Moved from Phoenix for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. Downtown schools are decent. 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. Nightlife is limited. Chain restaurants dominate. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Isaac Moore
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
17 upvotes
Rylee James
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
12 upvotes
Kinsley
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely decent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Sunset) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
10 upvotes
Benjamin
I'm a software engineer and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
9 upvotes
Ella Allen
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The school system is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
8 upvotes
henry_heart
This.
6 upvotes
Isla C.
I've lived in Fairview for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Close to major attractions
- The outdoor recreation scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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