I'm a 38-year-old chef and The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $211,500, which is actually reasonable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
16 upvotes
2 Replies
Amelia Lewis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 56, moved here 12 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Uptown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Boston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
27 upvotes
Emmett Chavez
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 1 years. Moved from Boston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have lakes 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 pretty good. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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