Curious what people think. Been living here since 2014. Average temperature is around 51°F, so expect cold winters. Homes are going for about $260,700 on average. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Any advice would be great. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much.
13 upvotes
4 Replies
Brielle T.
I'm a nurse and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Caroline O.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 30, moved here 12 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Fairview and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The safety situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. underrated 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 Chicago, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
16 upvotes
Luna Clark
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Raleigh about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
Eli D.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Minneapolis it's improving.
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