I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Poverty rate is 4.4%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,010/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 45--F, so bundle up in winter. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. Is this normal for Owatonna? Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to.
18 upvotes
11 Replies
Hudson Lee
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- The safety scene is average
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Levi H.
Came here for quality of life and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The traffic is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
39 upvotes
Terry C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 39, moved here 2 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
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 high-paying job options
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Miami, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
33 upvotes
Lily Phillips
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
29 upvotes
Piper
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
25 upvotes
Hudson Lee
I've lived in East for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
- The walkability scene is improving
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Joseph Wood
hard disagree but ok
21 upvotes
Autumn R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
10 upvotes
Eleanor Patel
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
6 upvotes
Ezra Kelly
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Charlotte about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
5 upvotes
nashville_stella
I've lived in Uptown for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong sense of community
- The cost of living scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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