Hi all, Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Crime rate is something to consider -Cambridge sits at 278.6 per 100K. Rent is about $2,742/month for a decent place. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
46 upvotes
19 Replies
Eli R.
thanks for sharing
40 upvotes
Landon Hernandez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 9 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's pricey 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 excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Sadie
Moved here from Portland about 3 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to healthcare but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Melanie White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 49, moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Sunset and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 San Francisco, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K 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.
29 upvotes
Chloe Torres
been saying this for years
29 upvotes
river_isaiah80
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- The community vibe scene is improving
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
Helen C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from LA about 8 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
lily_kid
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Mateo
yep
25 upvotes
Nicholas Anderson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 4 years. Moved from Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
education is strong here. government 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have mountains 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 solid. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Dating scene is rough. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Everett Williams
yeah no that's not right
24 upvotes
Isaac Smith
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
19 upvotes
Camila K.
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Nicholas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from LA about 13 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
7 upvotes
Caroline G.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
7 upvotes
Michael Parker
I've lived in East for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- The pet-friendliness scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
Waylon
Totally agree!
4 upvotes
Autumn Bennett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Greenfield. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in real estate. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Korean.
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