Been meaning to ask this. I'm a college student here and Homes are going for about $551,000 on average. You can expect to pay around $2,151 for rent here. Rent is about $2,151/month for a decent place. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
5 upvotes
7 Replies
William Alvarez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (East) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
38 upvotes
Zoe Turner
haha yep pretty much
35 upvotes
Theodore P.
yeah no that's not right
18 upvotes
Jayden Gomez
following this thread
14 upvotes
Ezekiel Price
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Lakewood area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
7 upvotes
Lydia Jones
glad someone said it
6 upvotes
Brooklyn Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 12 years. Moved from New York for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are decent. 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.