Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm retired and You can expect to pay around $971 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Cedar Grove sits at 51.5 per 100K. It's a a small town city with about 2,430 people. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Does this match your experience? The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
0 upvotes
9 Replies
Luke
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 39, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in East and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The nightlife situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 LA, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
39 upvotes
Ruby
I'm a marketing manager and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
Ezekiel R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
36 upvotes
Jayden C.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
33 upvotes
Roman N.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Atlanta about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Zoey
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 14 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is solid - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town 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. Limited shopping options. Dating scene is rough. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Elena Foster
I've lived in Lakewood for about 5 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 San Diego, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The job market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Everett Gray
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Pittsburgh it's tough.
20 upvotes
Elijah H.
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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