Alright, I'm a remote worker and Household incomes average around $130,278 in Prior Lake. Median household income is $130,278, which feels pretty solid for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Prior Lake sits at 153.5 per 100K. Average temperature is around 47--F, so expect cold winters. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What do you all think? Thanks in advance! I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
24 upvotes
11 Replies
zoey_walker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 11 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
Anna Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 52, moved here 10 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Highland and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Seattle, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
33 upvotes
Eliana E.
accurate
32 upvotes
Wesley Myers
noted, appreciate it
30 upvotes
Gabriella Rodriguez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Austin about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Jacob Davis
Bought a house here in 2015 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
21 upvotes
Dominic Jones
underrated comment
15 upvotes
Jeremiah Cooper
Moved here last year, no regrets.
15 upvotes
Scarlett Thomas
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Raleigh it's decent.
13 upvotes
Liam
exactly what I was thinking
12 upvotes
Alice Martinez
I work in real estate here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is underrated. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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