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minneapolis_asher
living
Honest thoughts on life in Newington Forest
Longtime lurker here, The suburbs are where most families end up.
7 upvotes
12 Replies
Aria F.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from New York about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from New York about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
tulsa_mia
I'm a project manager and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
Claire Jackson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 8 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
I've been here 8 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
Declan Bailey
literally same
25 upvotes
Aaron C.
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- The community vibe scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- The community vibe scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
Nevaeh W.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
23 upvotes
Hailey W.
big facts right here
21 upvotes
Bella Gutierrez
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Hunter Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 49, moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in South and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. decent 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 San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K 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 real estate agent, 49, moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in South and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. decent 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 San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K 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.
18 upvotes
Madelyn Mendoza
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
12 upvotes
Michael Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 38, moved here 7 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Springfield and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Atlanta, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$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.
Background: I'm a project manager, 38, moved here 7 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Springfield and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Atlanta, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$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.
4 upvotes
Cora
I work in manufacturing here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Hope this helps!.
3 upvotes