I'm a remote worker and Crime rate is something to consider -Minnetonka sits at 55.1 per 100K. Average temperature is around 47--F, so expect cold winters. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Should I be concerned? TIA! There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development.
12 upvotes
5 Replies
Hudson Myers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 13 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Jeremiah Martin
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
31 upvotes
Hudson S.
noted, appreciate it
25 upvotes
Eliana Perez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 55, moved here 4 years ago from New York. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
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. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for remote workers. improving 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 New York, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K 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.