Alright, We have two kids and Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. It's a a small town city with about 12,906 people. The median home value here is around $186,100, which is actually reasonable. You can expect to pay around $937 for rent here. Poverty rate is 15.6%, which is higher than I expected. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cheers. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up.
3 upvotes
12 Replies
Harper S.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Wesley Morales
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The walkability is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Bennett Lopez
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
28 upvotes
Gabriella C.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The walkability scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Gabriella T.
This.
17 upvotes
Hannah Hughes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 6 years. Moved from LA for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are tough. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Dating scene is rough. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Natalie R.
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The outdoor recreation is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Luna White
big facts right here
9 upvotes
Mackenzie Ruiz
good to know, thanks
8 upvotes
dc_jose
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
8 upvotes
Cooper Jackson
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The housing market is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
columbus_santiago
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Korean places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.