So, Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. Rent is about $1,259/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $136,200 on average. The median home value here is around $136,200, which is actually reasonable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development.
Pros:
- Great weather
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events
Cons:
- Far from major airports
- Limited cultural events
- Not enough green space
Am I wrong here? Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
11 upvotes
15 Replies
Alexander E.
I've lived in Downtown for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good airport with direct flights
- The pet-friendliness scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
dallas_jayden
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from San Francisco about 3 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is excellent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Silas W.
seconding this
28 upvotes
Ian Lewis
yeah no that's not right
26 upvotes
Christian 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 2 years. Moved from Tampa for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. government 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is tough - we have ski resorts 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 pretty 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Piper
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Sunset) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
20 upvotes
Gabriel Lewis
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 8 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Daniel James
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Baltimore about 3 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
la_luna
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Charlotte about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is better than expected.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Peyton Bennett
noted, appreciate it
12 upvotes
Jayden M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 41, moved here 13 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Old Town and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cost of living situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Charlotte, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
11 upvotes
Mia
I'm a sales manager and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
10 upvotes
Thomas B.
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
6 upvotes
Violet Adams
exactly what I was thinking
5 upvotes
Audrey J.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Denver it's decent.
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