Hey everyone, Rent is about $514/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $69,200 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Princeton sits at 115.4 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $514 for rent here. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Thoughts? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
10 upvotes
9 Replies
Margaret R.
same here
36 upvotes
aaron_girl
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 25, moved here 12 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
35 upvotes
portlandchef2023
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Eli Martinez
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Sunset area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
20 upvotes
Serenity
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Raleigh about 9 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
15 upvotes
Kathryn W.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Parker Brown
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely improving and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is pricey 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 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.
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