Hey everyone, I work in hospitality and You can expect to pay around $1,528 for rent here. Poverty rate is 7.9%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,528/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $76,196 in St. Cloud. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Has anyone dealt with this? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to.
21 upvotes
5 Replies
mountain_thomas50
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Santiago B.
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Sadie G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 36, moved here 2 years ago from LA. I've lived in Westside and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The job market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 LA, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
20 upvotes
Emma Chavez
exactly what I was thinking
12 upvotes
Kinsley
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.