West St. Paul quality of life -am I missing something?
Hi all, The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I overthinking this? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
6 upvotes
5 Replies
Daniel James
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Korean.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Adeline J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 14 years. Moved from Tampa for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. education 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks 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 solid. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Urban sprawl is real. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
alice_mind
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The nightlife is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Riley
interesting, hadn't considered that
9 upvotes
Sophie Chavez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is improving in most areas.
All Countries
