Curious what people think. Been living here since 2023. With a population of 27,832, Prior Lake is a smaller city. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Let me know your thoughts. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
2 upvotes
17 Replies
Sofia Howard
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
40 upvotes
David Williams
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to San Diego it's pretty good.
38 upvotes
Dennis L.
yeah no that's not right
32 upvotes
Sebastian Ramos
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely underrated and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (North) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
27 upvotes
Jose Thomas
interesting, hadn't considered that
27 upvotes
Parker Morris
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- The dating scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Jean P.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
25 upvotes
Bennett Rivera
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
19 upvotes
Everly Foster
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Springfield) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
19 upvotes
Madelyn Morales
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely decent and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Riverside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
18 upvotes
Chloe Jones
yeah no that's not right
13 upvotes
Isabelle
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Highland) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
12 upvotes
Leah Ortiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 9 years. Moved from Chicago for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Downtown schools are tough. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Aurora Rodriguez
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
9 upvotes
Kennedy B.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to San Francisco it's solid.
4 upvotes
Dylan Anderson
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
2 upvotes
Keith A.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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