Hey folks, We have two kids and With a population of 11,275, Storm Lake is a small town. Household incomes average around $58,341 in Storm Lake. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What do you all think?
6 upvotes
12 Replies
Elizabeth Robinson
noted, appreciate it
39 upvotes
Hannah Y.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Seattle it's hit or miss.
34 upvotes
Zoe Green
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
Grace Hill
I'm a project manager and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
28 upvotes
Sarah R.
spot on
24 upvotes
Clara Robinson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 8 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
philly_jordan
Bought a house here in 2019 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
19 upvotes
Asher Gonzalez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 13 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. Uptown schools are better than expected. 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. Property taxes are high. Bugs and humidity in summer. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Luke Green
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
3 upvotes
Ezra Rogers
I've lived in Greenfield for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The outdoor recreation scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
3 upvotes
Easton Cruz
I'm a HR manager and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
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