Household incomes average around $81,276 in Owatonna. The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Owatonna sits at 104.7 per 100K. Poverty rate is 4.4%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What would you do? Cheers. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
21 upvotes
9 Replies
Joshua
100%
40 upvotes
Jonathan A.
yep
36 upvotes
Katherine
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 4 years. Moved from Austin for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey 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. Highland 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. Road conditions need improvement. Bugs and humidity in summer. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Gabriella
honestly same experience here
28 upvotes
Samuel Hill
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 6 years. Moved from Seattle for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Fairview schools are better than expected. 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. Limited public transit options. Summers can be brutally hot. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Logan
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great seafood places. I love the pace of life here.
15 upvotes
Serenity Bailey
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
12 upvotes
Connor
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 1 years. Moved from Tampa for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Westside schools are challenging. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Jeremiah Robinson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 3 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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