Been meaning to ask this. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Crime rate is something to consider -South St. Paul sits at 228.3 per 100K. It's a a small town city with about 20,633 people. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Is this normal for South St. Paul? The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
5 upvotes
10 Replies
Kinsley W.
Saving this thread
37 upvotes
Kaylee Kim
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
Axel Perez
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The weather is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Allison
This.
26 upvotes
Maya Robinson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 1 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Connor C.
I work in finance here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is tough. Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Angel M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely hit or miss and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Downtown) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
19 upvotes
Hudson Kim
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
10 upvotes
Jace R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 34, moved here 14 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
2 upvotes
Aaron Moore
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 11 years. Moved from San Francisco for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are surprisingly good. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited entertainment options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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