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Emmett Turner
living
The good and bad of living in Minneapolis
I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Rent is about $1,329/month for a decent place.
30 upvotes
31 Replies
Alice Martin
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 8 years. Moved from Houston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are solid. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Urban sprawl is real. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, 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.
I've been in Sunset for 8 years. Moved from Houston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are solid. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Urban sprawl is real. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, 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.
40 upvotes
Kyle W.
it depends on the neighborhood
40 upvotes
Leo Peterson
+1
39 upvotes
Harper Kelly
100%
38 upvotes
Madeline Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 52, moved here 1 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in North and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The cultural scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K 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.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 52, moved here 1 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in North and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The cultural scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K 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.
37 upvotes
Julian
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 5 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
I've been here 5 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Olivia B.
noted, appreciate it
37 upvotes
Stella Roberts
as a local I can confirm
36 upvotes
Miles Bailey
couldn't agree more
35 upvotes
Aaliyah Parker
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is decent in most areas.
33 upvotes
Brooklyn L.
glad someone said it
33 upvotes
Gabriel Gonzalez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 9 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I've been here 9 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Adrian Moore
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great craft beer places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
28 upvotes
Jason B.
I work in tech here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is pretty good. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Melanie Murphy
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
David Murphy
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 8 years. Moved from New York for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield 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. Rising rent and home prices. Property taxes are high. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Greenfield for 8 years. Moved from New York for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield 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. Rising rent and home prices. Property taxes are high. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Jordan M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 46, moved here 10 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in South and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Diverse dining options
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. Winters are long and cold
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
Background: I'm a social worker, 46, moved here 10 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in South and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Diverse dining options
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. Winters are long and cold
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
26 upvotes
Madelyn Richardson
nah I disagree
26 upvotes
Dominic Kelly
Moved here from Charlotte about 8 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to dating scene but No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Mateo Cooper
Came here for work and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The healthcare is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
Jose Rivera
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 9 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield schools are solid. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Rising rent and home prices. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Springfield for 9 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield schools are solid. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Rising rent and home prices. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Santiago Rodriguez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Denver about 8 years ago. The main reasons were work and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Denver about 8 years ago. The main reasons were work and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Caroline
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 6 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
I've been here 6 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Victoria
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from San Francisco about 12 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is excellent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a accountant who relocated here from San Francisco about 12 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is excellent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
14 upvotes
tulsalover2022
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much affordable but now it's average.
13 upvotes
Aaliyah
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Luca Harris
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Raleigh it's solid.
10 upvotes
Declan T.
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Indian places. I love the pace of life here.
10 upvotes
Gabriella Kim
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 12 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are better than expected. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Pine Hills for 12 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are better than expected. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Savannah Miller
I work in consulting here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is underrated. Definitely worth checking out..
2 upvotes
Samuel Ross
Came here for weather and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The housing market is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
1 upvotes