Hey, My family moved here when I was a kid. The median home value here is around $47,600, which is actually reasonable. Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. You can expect to pay around $859 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 9.6%, which is concerning. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Worth the trade-offs? Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to.
14 upvotes
15 Replies
Audrey Bailey
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 11 years. Moved from Portland for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. engineering 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 improving. 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. Rising rent and home prices. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Dominic H.
lol so true
36 upvotes
Andrew Bennett
I work in construction here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
John
Moved here from Seattle about 11 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to safety but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
John C.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
27 upvotes
Johnny A.
as a local I can confirm
26 upvotes
Violet M.
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Meadowbrook area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
20 upvotes
Jace Long
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
20 upvotes
Bella Patel
Bought a house here in 2017 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
16 upvotes
Elizabeth Jones
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 33, moved here 5 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in East and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
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 manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Raleigh, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
7 upvotes
Oliver C.
glad someone said it
3 upvotes
Natalie Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 9 years. Moved from Phoenix for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. engineering 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are tough. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Can feel isolated. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Lillian
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Eastside area are improving. Kids love it here.
2 upvotes
Mason Phillips
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Phoenix it's surprisingly good.
All Countries
