Hi all, My partner and I are The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $311,800 on average. Poverty rate is 7.5%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. Am I wrong here? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up.
54 upvotes
8 Replies
Greyson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 1 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Willow
nah I disagree
27 upvotes
Easton
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
26 upvotes
Santiago Green
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Downtown. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in construction. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Katherine
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
6 upvotes
Heather M.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- The food scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
5 upvotes
Aurora
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 42, moved here 2 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Sunset and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The healthcare situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K 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.
3 upvotes
Amelia Campbell
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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