Curious what people think. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Poverty rate is 11.6%, which is around average. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Any help is appreciated.
12 upvotes
3 Replies
Alexis R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in legal. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Lucas Myers
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Ezekiel Moore
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 42, moved here 9 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Downtown and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Property taxes are high
3. The walkability situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
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