Been meaning to ask this. I'm a college student here and Crime rate is something to consider -Shakopee sits at 193.4 per 100K. Average temperature is around 47--F, so expect cold winters. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Let me know your thoughts. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
6 upvotes
11 Replies
Sarah Moore
hard disagree but ok
39 upvotes
Savannah B.
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Highland area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
brooklyn_rider
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 5 years. Moved from Raleigh for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is solid - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are challenging. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Chain restaurants dominate. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Kinsley Stewart
I've lived in Greenfield for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- The weather scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Cameron Gomez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 7 years. Moved from San Francisco for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. finance 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's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are better than expected. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Brooklyn M.
Bought a house here in 2015 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
21 upvotes
Lily Rodriguez
it depends on the neighborhood
16 upvotes
Leonardo
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely challenging and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Midtown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
9 upvotes
Lillian Lee
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much wild but now it's improving.
6 upvotes
Lydia Morris
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 4 years. Moved from Baltimore for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
construction is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are better than expected. 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. Limited public transit options. Urban sprawl is real. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Jameson Scott
I work in engineering here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is decent. No regrets on my end..
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