Alright, I'm single, late 30s, and Average temperature is around 75--F, so it's warm year-round. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Appreciate any input.
10 upvotes
8 Replies
Grayson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
39 upvotes
Nora Price
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 14 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Midtown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Boston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
36 upvotes
Brooks T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely solid and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Highland) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
31 upvotes
Lydia M.
Moved here from Dallas about 9 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to food scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Hazel Hall
glad someone said it
21 upvotes
Ethan Morris
glad someone said it
15 upvotes
Aiden Hughes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 14 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Leah Green
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 40, moved here 15 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The job market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Boston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
All Countries
