Hello, We have two kids and Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I wrong here? TIA!
12 upvotes
14 Replies
Julia Moore
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from New York about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is solid.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
mesanative2022
facts
36 upvotes
born_amelia54
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Zachary R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 51, moved here 15 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Meadowbrook and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. 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.
32 upvotes
James Lewis
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
23 upvotes
Mason C.
exactly what I was thinking
23 upvotes
Cooper Thomas
Bought a house here in 2017 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
22 upvotes
Benjamin P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 10 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's affordable 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 decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Claire T.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Atlanta it's excellent.
17 upvotes
Aubrey Sanders
following this thread
13 upvotes
minneapolispapa2021
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Thai places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
9 upvotes
Aurora Campbell
exactly what I was thinking
8 upvotes
Cynthia B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 36, moved here 1 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Fairview and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. surprisingly good 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 Atlanta, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K 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.
5 upvotes
Jacob Baker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from San Francisco about 7 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is tough.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. No regrets on my end..
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