I've been here for 19 years and Median household income is $84,055, which feels pretty solid for the area. Poverty rate is 4.4%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Does this match your experience? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
13 upvotes
4 Replies
Dylan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 10 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
26 upvotes
Sarah Hughes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 54, moved here 3 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Fairview and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
20 upvotes
Donald A.
preach
17 upvotes
Mia K.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in tech. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Korean.
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