Random thought, Poverty rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What do you all think? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
0 upvotes
14 Replies
kc_adam
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
nyc_declan
as a local I can confirm
38 upvotes
Easton R.
good to know, thanks
37 upvotes
Eugene S.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 2 years. Moved from Tampa for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are average. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Road conditions need improvement. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
fresno_zoey
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 38, moved here 13 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in West and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
26 upvotes
Dylan Gomez
I work in retail here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is tough. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Josiah Myers
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
22 upvotes
Leah Martinez
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Italian places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
13 upvotes
Harper Myers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 30, moved here 7 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Old Town and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The cultural scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Nashville, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
13 upvotes
Grace T.
I'm a project manager and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
11 upvotes
Savannah King
Moved here last year, no regrets.
4 upvotes
Lily Martin
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Chicago about 2 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
3 upvotes
Adam
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
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