Not sure if this has been asked before, but Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. Median household income is $100,997, which feels pretty solid for the area. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
11 upvotes
13 Replies
Gianna Smith
I'm a contractor and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
38 upvotes
Nolan
hmm interesting perspective
36 upvotes
Stella M.
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Emmett A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 42, moved here 8 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Pine Hills and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The dating scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
30 upvotes
Josiah Price
accurate
29 upvotes
Aubrey Rivera
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
Everett Walker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from San Francisco 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 Meadowbrook. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in construction. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Kinsley Flores
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
20 upvotes
Nicholas Jackson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Sunset. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Ellie Moore
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely tough and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
17 upvotes
Aaliyah
honestly same experience here
16 upvotes
grace_living
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
13 upvotes
Elijah Phillips
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
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