Curious what people think. My partner and I are It's a a small town city with about 1,255 people. Poverty rate is 13.5%, which is around average. With a population of 1,255, Birchwood Lakes is a small town. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Any advice would be great. Cheers. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up.
5 upvotes
7 Replies
Ezekiel Wilson
good to know, thanks
34 upvotes
Emmett Cruz
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
33 upvotes
atl_asher
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 Phoenix for school. 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 up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have hiking trails 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 surprisingly 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. Nightlife is limited. Can feel isolated. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Avery R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
14 upvotes
Ellie Castillo
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Chicago about 9 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
Bella Ramos
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 4 years. Moved from Boston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are underrated. 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. Dating scene is rough. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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