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Dylan Torres living

Raising a family in St. Paul — thoughts?

Household incomes average around $73,055 in St. Paul. Rent is about $1,248/month for a decent place. Median household income is $73,055, which feels about average for the area. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to.

Pros:
- Close to nature
- Good healthcare facilities
- Plenty of shopping options
- Good airport connections

Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Cold winters
- Not very walkable
- Limited dining options
- Limited cultural events
Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
55 upvotes

9 Replies

Henry M.
Saving this thread
32 upvotes
Harper Hernandez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in East for 4 years. Moved from Austin for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.

**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. East schools are excellent. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Evelyn L.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
23 upvotes
Ariana Jimenez
100%
21 upvotes
Hannah Evans
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
21 upvotes
Megan H.
honestly same experience here
17 upvotes
Mason Castillo
preach
13 upvotes
Carson Gutierrez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a teacher who relocated here from Denver about 14 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.

Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options

Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains

Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.

Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
9 upvotes
Mia P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.

I've been here 3 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is average.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
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