Not sure if this has been asked before, but We have two kids and There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Worth the trade-offs?
5 upvotes
5 Replies
Abigail J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in consulting. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
Madeline Mitchell
100%
27 upvotes
Benjamin A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 27, moved here 1 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. surprisingly good 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 Portland, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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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