I'm a remote worker and Average temperature is around 44--F, so bundle up in winter. Homes are going for about $345,000 on average. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Ramsey sits at 87.7 per 100K. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
Pros:
- Growing food scene
- Low crime in most areas
- Diverse community
- Lots of new development
Cons:
- Limited nightlife
- Sprawl everywhere
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Not enough green space
There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
11 upvotes
20 Replies
Luca Price
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The dating scene is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Emilia E.
Moved here from Nashville about 4 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to cost of living but Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
chicago_roman
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
Adam Rodriguez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 5 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Serenity Reed
facts
34 upvotes
Michael Phillips
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 1 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Eli Young
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely better than expected and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Westside) is reasonable 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 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.
33 upvotes
Violet Kelly
I've lived in Lakewood for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
- The walkability scene is better than expected
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Janet A.
thanks for sharing
32 upvotes
Emma
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The dating scene is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Natalie C.
I'm a marketing manager and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
26 upvotes
Harper S.
following this thread
25 upvotes
Aurora Perez
interesting, hadn't considered that
17 upvotes
Asher Scott
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in South. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Mason Hughes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 2 years. Moved from Phoenix 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 up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are hit or miss. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not very walkable outside downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Luca Rogers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 4 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
12 upvotes
Wesley
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
11 upvotes
Michael Morris
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
11 upvotes
Elizabeth H.
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great farm-to-table places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
6 upvotes
Joseph W.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Midtown area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
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