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Eli Gutierrez
moving
Relocating to Rochester, MN — pros and cons?
I grew up here but left for a while. Should I be concerned?
39 upvotes
29 Replies
Kaylee Kim
spot on
39 upvotes
Silas Adams
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Sarah Ruiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 10 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I've been here 10 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Leah Williams
good to know, thanks
34 upvotes
Gianna
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much wild but now it's surprisingly good.
33 upvotes
Isabelle Walker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely excellent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Downtown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely excellent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Downtown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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
Landon Martinez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 1 years. Moved from San Diego for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are excellent. 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Fairview for 1 years. Moved from San Diego for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are excellent. 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Lucas
thanks for sharing
32 upvotes
Harper Mitchell
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 14 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 14 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Isabelle P.
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The weather is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
29 upvotes
Mark A.
been saying this for years
26 upvotes
Hunter Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 24, moved here 7 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The walkability situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Miami, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
Background: I'm a accountant, 24, moved here 7 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The walkability situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Miami, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
26 upvotes
Jeremiah Rodriguez
Came here for family and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The healthcare is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
24 upvotes
Harper Howard
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 2 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
I've been here 2 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Violet Walker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Old Town. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in construction. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Thai.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Old Town. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in construction. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Thai.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Lucas King
I work in construction here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Jennifer E.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 2 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 2 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Eleanor M.
I've lived in Greenfield for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
- The outdoor recreation scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
- The outdoor recreation scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
Hudson P.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely underrated and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Eastside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit 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.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely underrated and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Eastside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit 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.
12 upvotes
Zoey Phillips
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 11 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
I've been here 11 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
11 upvotes
Adam Patel
accurate
11 upvotes
Claire Martinez
Moved here from Atlanta about 10 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to community vibe but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
10 upvotes
Carson Ruiz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Downtown. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Downtown. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
9 upvotes
Aaliyah Perez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Meadowbrook. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in government. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Definitely worth checking out..
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Meadowbrook. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in government. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Willow C.
been saying this for years
7 upvotes
Charlotte
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The walkability is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Silas Taylor
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
3 upvotes
Angel
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
2 upvotes
Asher J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Oak Park. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in engineering. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Oak Park. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in engineering. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
1 upvotes