Hello, I'm a teacher here and Crime rate is something to consider -St. Joseph sits at 568.1 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 46--F, so expect cold winters. Household incomes average around $55,578 in St. Joseph. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Thoughts? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
8 upvotes
11 Replies
Leo Cooper
I've lived in Midtown for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- The cost of living scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Nora Martin
good to know, thanks
34 upvotes
Ezekiel R.
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
32 upvotes
Olivia Nelson
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much affordable but now it's better than expected.
25 upvotes
Adeline Thomas
not my experience at all
15 upvotes
Weston Nguyen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 46, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in South and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The job market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Boston, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K 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.
12 upvotes
Nora H.
glad someone said it
12 upvotes
Genesis Turner
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Salt Lake City it's solid.
10 upvotes
urban_matthew37
Moved here from Raleigh about 7 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but No regrets on my end..
10 upvotes
Jaxon Davis
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 1 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
4 upvotes
sflover2024
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much growing but now it's hit or miss.