Hey folks, The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Rotterdam sits at 873.4 per 100K. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Any help is appreciated. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
15 upvotes
10 Replies
Julian W.
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The cost of living is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Katherine Johnson
great question, following
33 upvotes
Riley R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely decent and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (South) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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
omahanative2021
hard disagree but ok
24 upvotes
Evan N.
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much developing but now it's average.
23 upvotes
Mia Cox
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Meadowbrook. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in construction. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Jackson Jackson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from New York about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Stella M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 41, moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Westside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The cost of living situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Phoenix, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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