Been meaning to ask this. My family moved here when I was a kid. It's a a small town city with about 1,392 people. Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. Household incomes average around $34,219 in Sibley. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Has anyone dealt with this? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
5 upvotes
15 Replies
Nathan Nelson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Jacob Brooks
This.
36 upvotes
Leo Walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 34, moved here 9 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Greenfield and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 San Francisco, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
35 upvotes
Jace Perez
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Italian places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
28 upvotes
Greyson Thompson
wish I knew this sooner
28 upvotes
William N.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Midtown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in legal. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
omaha_parker
following this thread
28 upvotes
Helen C.
as a local I can confirm
24 upvotes
Jonathan Turner
preach
24 upvotes
Matthew
Moved here last year, no regrets.
18 upvotes
Zoe Martin
it depends on the neighborhood
18 upvotes
dallas_eliana
Used to live on the East side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
17 upvotes
Mia M.
Moved here from Nashville about 15 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to school system but Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Kai
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.