OK so The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to.
3 upvotes
15 Replies
Deborah L.
been saying this for years
38 upvotes
Aria A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 43, moved here 5 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in North and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K 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.
36 upvotes
Delilah Price
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
27 upvotes
Kaylee Rodriguez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Phoenix about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is decent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
urban_melanie64
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Miami it's surprisingly good.
25 upvotes
Josiah
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 public transit. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Julia D.
Came here for weather and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The public transit is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
21 upvotes
Isla Phillips
great question, following
21 upvotes
Aaron M.
wish I knew this sooner
20 upvotes
Vivian Brooks
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 8 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. retail 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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 excellent. 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. Nightlife is limited. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Naomi Hernandez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Greenfield. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in finance. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Hope this helps!.
11 upvotes
Emma White
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 11 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
Sadie Garcia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Nashville about 3 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
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 better than expected.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
6 upvotes
Natalie P.
100%
2 upvotes
Benjamin P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Portland about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..