Hey folks, Been living here since 2012. You can expect to pay around $1,823 for rent here. Poverty rate is 5.6%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. Am I wrong here? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
5 upvotes
6 Replies
Cooper Watson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is improving in most areas.
30 upvotes
atlvibes2024
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 37, moved here 7 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Meadowbrook and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The weather situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Seattle, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
20 upvotes
Isaiah Green
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
17 upvotes
Matthew Nelson
I work in consulting here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is decent. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
William D.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Raleigh, 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
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The safety scene is decent
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Zoey Diaz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Maple Ridge. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in engineering. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Southern.
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