So, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Median household income is $50,365, which feels on the lower side for the area. Rent is about $1,008/month for a decent place. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Any advice would be great. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to.
12 upvotes
12 Replies
minneapolis_isaac
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 45, moved here 5 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
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. Nightlife is limited
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. tough 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 Nashville, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K 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.
39 upvotes
Audrey Reed
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The cultural scene is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
39 upvotes
Maya Cruz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 11 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Delilah Price
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Indian places. the quality of life is solid.
32 upvotes
Maya F.
+1
29 upvotes
Isaac Rodriguez
following this thread
29 upvotes
Luna Jones
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 6 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are hit or miss. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Property taxes are high. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
adrian_girl
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Landon
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 3 years. Moved from Minneapolis for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. healthcare 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. 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. North schools are decent. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited entertainment options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Nicholas R.
seconding this
21 upvotes
Quinn J.
I work in construction here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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