Been meaning to ask this. Military spouse here. Household incomes average around $121,452 in Cottage Grove. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Anyone in a similar situation? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
5 upvotes
4 Replies
Nolan Carter
wish I knew this sooner
21 upvotes
Josiah Davis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 45, moved here 2 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Midtown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The housing market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K 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.
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