Hey everyone, We have two kids and You can expect to pay around $951 for rent here. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
1 upvotes
13 Replies
Axel Walker
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
38 upvotes
Allison Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Dallas about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is decent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Hannah Patel
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
35 upvotes
Mason Collins
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
35 upvotes
Jayden Flores
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 4 years. Moved from Raleigh for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited shopping options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Wesley Peterson
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Cedar Grove area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Nathan Morris
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much affordable but now it's improving.
18 upvotes
Kinsley R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are underrated. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Chain restaurants dominate. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
coastal_hunter15
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Midtown. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Elizabeth Carter
I'm a teacher and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
13 upvotes
Olivia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Nashville about 9 years ago. The main reasons were work and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is tough.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Silas Adams
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much wild but now it's underrated.
1 upvotes
Julian Baker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely excellent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
All Countries
