Hi all, Poverty rate is 9.2%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $812,700, which is pretty steep. Median household income is $85,189, which feels pretty solid for the area. Rent is about $1,852/month for a decent place. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Friendly people
- Nice parks and trails
- Strong sense of community
Cons:
- Rising rent prices
- Limited dining options
- Boring for young people
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Not enough green space
The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
8 upvotes
6 Replies
Ezra H.
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 15 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in The Heights and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The walkability situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$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.
26 upvotes
Lucy Rogers
underrated comment
22 upvotes
Aurora Green
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
11 upvotes
Angela T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 24, moved here 5 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in North and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Atlanta, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K 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.
9 upvotes
Aiden Cooper
I've lived in The Heights for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- The walkability scene is tough
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
0 upvotes
Matthew Anderson
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 7 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 Nashville, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The traffic scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
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