Random thought, Poverty rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. With a population of 19,620, Sartell is a small town. Average temperature is around 44--F, so bundle up in winter. Rent is about $1,197/month for a decent place. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Arthur W.
haha yep pretty much
40 upvotes
Austin Flores
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from New York about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
Hailey W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 41, moved here 10 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Westside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Portland, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
30 upvotes
Cooper Jones
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 48, moved here 6 years ago from New York. I've lived in Pine Hills and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The public transit situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 New York, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
24 upvotes
Heather P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Dallas about 9 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Alice
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
20 upvotes
Dominic C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Baltimore it's average.
15 upvotes
Mateo Castillo
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
Dennis B.
yep
11 upvotes
Savannah W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 58, moved here 13 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Uptown and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The job market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Austin, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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.
11 upvotes
Michael
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. Hope this helps!.
All Countries
