Not sure if this has been asked before, but My partner and I are Poverty rate is 4.1%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. Household incomes average around $111,379 in Cheat Lake. The median home value here is around $345,500, which seems about average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
6 upvotes
15 Replies
Naomi W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 44, moved here 7 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The traffic situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K 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
phillysoul2022
I work in retail here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is improving. Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
tulsa_jeremiah
Bought a house here in 2020 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
30 upvotes
Sadie
Came here for weather and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
28 upvotes
Angel Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Denver about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
26 upvotes
Aaliyah Morales
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Pittsburgh it's challenging.
19 upvotes
sd_leo
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
Noah D.
not my experience at all
14 upvotes
Elizabeth Brown
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
13 upvotes
Claire T.
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great sushi places. the quality of life is solid.
11 upvotes
Ella Hill
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
11 upvotes
Joseph C.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
4 upvotes
Claire Wood
I'm a physical therapist and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is average and there's always something going on.
3 upvotes
David S.
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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