Hey, My partner and I are The median home value here is around $938,100, which is pretty steep. It's a a small town city with about 4,308 people. Median household income is $110,316, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Has anyone dealt with this? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
10 upvotes
11 Replies
Xavier Smith
Totally agree!
39 upvotes
Maya
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 4 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into running, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Katherine Reyes
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Meadowbrook. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in real estate. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Gianna James
accurate
16 upvotes
Thomas Ramirez
been saying this for years
12 upvotes
Weston T.
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
10 upvotes
Sara O.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely decent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Riverside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene 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.
10 upvotes
Nicholas Mendoza
good to know, thanks
5 upvotes
Savannah R.
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
4 upvotes
Evelyn T.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The public transit scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
2 upvotes
phillyheart2022
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 24, moved here 2 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Uptown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The walkability situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Miami, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
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