Hey, Born and raised here. Homes are going for about $252,500 on average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Am I overthinking this?
11 upvotes
19 Replies
Hailey Foster
Moved here from Raleigh about 9 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Jayden Scott
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in The Heights area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Cameron H.
yep
38 upvotes
Evelyn Howard
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
36 upvotes
Clara Robinson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Richard T.
same here
29 upvotes
Jacob
Can confirm, been here 7 years.
24 upvotes
Hudson Baker
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- The community vibe scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
Vivian C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 26, moved here 10 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Riverside and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Can feel isolated
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Austin, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
19 upvotes
Sebastian Harris
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Elijah R.
I've lived in East for about 3 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 Atlanta, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
- The healthcare scene is average
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Axel M.
spot on
16 upvotes
aurora_native
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
coastal_connor75
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Jace M.
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 15 years. Moved from Boston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - we have state parks 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 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited high-paying job options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Zoey Smith
as a local I can confirm
2 upvotes
Wesley Richardson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
1 upvotes
Paisley
thanks for sharing
1 upvotes
mesakid2023
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The weather is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
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