Thinking about relocating to St. Paul from Phoenix
Hey folks, I'm retired and You can expect to pay around $1,248 for rent here. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
60 upvotes
8 Replies
emma_guy
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
39 upvotes
Noah James
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
28 upvotes
Robert E.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Midtown. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in finance. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Gabriella Wilson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
boston_easton
great question, following
17 upvotes
Caleb Parker
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Wesley James
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The housing market is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
10 upvotes
Eric D.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 58, moved here 5 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
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