Not sure if this has been asked before, but Rent is about $649/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $119,300, which is actually reasonable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Any advice would be great. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to.
1 upvotes
13 Replies
Elijah Williams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 13 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Leo Hill
I've lived in Westside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- The public transit scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
atl_julian
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 4 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Jeremiah B.
interesting, hadn't considered that
31 upvotes
David J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 43, moved here 6 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
26 upvotes
Connor Turner
exactly what I was thinking
16 upvotes
Julia Moore
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The traffic is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Addison Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 15 years. Moved from Raleigh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove 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. Limited shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Everly King
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in East area are excellent. Kids love it here.
11 upvotes
Genesis
been saying this for years
9 upvotes
Daniel Jackson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely decent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Eastside) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
5 upvotes
Miles Kelly
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 8 years. Moved from Houston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is tough - we have national forests 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 improving. 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. Limited entertainment options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Charlotte S.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Raleigh it's surprisingly good.
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