Random thought, I grew up here but left for a while. You can expect to pay around $910 for rent here. The median home value here is around $201,500, which is actually reasonable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Does this match your experience? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
8 upvotes
3 Replies
Brooklyn
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 25, moved here 11 years ago from Portland. I've lived in East and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The school system situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Portland, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
33 upvotes
Quinn Harris
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Greenfield area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
14 upvotes
Wyatt A.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
- The weather scene is average
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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