We have two kids and Rent is about $785/month for a decent place. Median household income is $96,818, which feels pretty solid for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Zumbrota sits at 57.5 per 100K. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Thanks in advance! The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
0 upvotes
14 Replies
Quinn Long
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 48, moved here 4 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Fairview and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The school system situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. underrated 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 Phoenix, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
39 upvotes
Grayson
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
36 upvotes
Jacob R.
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 7 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to food scene but Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Emma Cruz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 34, moved here 6 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in East and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Property taxes are high
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Tampa, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
28 upvotes
Miles Sanchez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
nola_camila
been saying this for years
26 upvotes
Kaylee L.
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Xavier Reed
Moved here from Minneapolis about 7 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to housing market but Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Kathryn W.
haha yep pretty much
15 upvotes
Weston Ramos
as a local I can confirm
14 upvotes
Logan H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 4 years. Moved from Raleigh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. healthcare 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are challenging. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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