Alright, I'm a 52-year-old chef and Median household income is $75,632, which feels about average for the area. The city has invested a lot in new development. Appreciate any input. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
1 upvotes
3 Replies
Cora Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 51, moved here 15 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Springfield and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Tampa, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
35 upvotes
David L.
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
28 upvotes
Carson Walker
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 8 years. Moved from New York for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. tech 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:**
I love the pace of life here. 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. Cedar Grove schools are better than expected. 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 high-paying job options. Dating scene is rough. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
