Anyone else feel this way? Military spouse here. Crime rate is something to consider -Elmont sits at 119.0 per 100K. It's a a smaller city city with about 36,436 people. The unemployment rate is 5.0%, which is about average. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Is this normal for Elmont? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up.
15 upvotes
11 Replies
Mary R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Harper Hernandez
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 15 years. Moved from Seattle for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2019 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have beaches 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 surprisingly good. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Can feel isolated. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Harper Stewart
I work in healthcare here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is average. Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Hazel R.
same here
31 upvotes
Evan W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely solid and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
28 upvotes
Jesse L.
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Mason A.
I work in legal here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is average. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Maya
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Cooper Flores
This.
15 upvotes
Nova Brooks
glad someone said it
12 upvotes
Oliver R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Chicago about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..