Hey, I'm a remote worker and Household incomes average around $81,276 in Owatonna. Median household income is $81,276, which feels pretty solid for the area. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Let me know your thoughts. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
23 upvotes
13 Replies
Isaiah Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 39, moved here 14 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Eastside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The traffic situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K 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.
40 upvotes
Madison S.
as a local I can confirm
39 upvotes
Nicholas T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely excellent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
32 upvotes
Santiago Flores
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
30 upvotes
Emmett T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Eastside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
21 upvotes
Isaiah B.
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The housing market is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
Cora Anderson
good to know, thanks
16 upvotes
Eliana King
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Mia Brown
been saying this for years
11 upvotes
Zachary G.
this is the way
10 upvotes
Mia
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 3 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
8 upvotes
Jonathan B.
100%
5 upvotes
Harper Howard
I'm a software engineer and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
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