I'm single, late 20s, and Rent is about $2,191/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $792,400, which is pretty steep. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Thanks in advance! People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
30 upvotes
6 Replies
Lori E.
100%
38 upvotes
Alice Davis
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 14 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Vivian Walker
Bought a house here in 2016 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
22 upvotes
Xavier Martinez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 35, moved here 14 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
18 upvotes
Weston
glad someone said it
12 upvotes
Luna Cooper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 53, moved here 3 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Uptown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Tampa, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
All Countries
