Sign In Register
Willow Cook moving

Moving to Owatonna -what should I know?

I'm a teacher here and The median home value here is around $234,600, which is actually reasonable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What do you all think? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up.
26 upvotes

4 Replies

Paisley Hill
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in East for 12 years. Moved from Chicago for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
education is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are underrated. 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. Property taxes are high. Homeless population growing downtown. And food scene can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Owen Ramirez
as a local I can confirm
6 upvotes
Hudson
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Southern places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
5 upvotes
Mackenzie
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
1 upvotes
← Back to Owatonna Community