I work in finance and The median home value here is around $280,200, which seems about average. Rent is about $1,676/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 9.7%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 5.0%, which is about average. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks! There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
11 upvotes
7 Replies
chill_mason80
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 26, moved here 9 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The job market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Raleigh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
36 upvotes
Hailey A.
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 11 years. Moved from Baltimore for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. marketing 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is average - we have rivers 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited public transit options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Abigail D.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is underrated in most areas.
16 upvotes
Leonardo
I've lived in Westside for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The cost of living scene is average
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Luna Roberts
I work in education here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Ruby Thomas
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely excellent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
8 upvotes
Alice Hill
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
All Countries
