I'm a remote worker and Median household income is $93,672, which feels pretty solid for the area. The city has invested a lot in new development. Am I wrong here?
10 upvotes
15 Replies
Santiago Mitchell
Bought a house here in 2022 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
38 upvotes
ellie_papa
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 13 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Noah W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 53, moved here 13 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Sunset and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The housing market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 San Francisco, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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
Lily Miller
Moved here from Phoenix about 9 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Aria Jones
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 57, moved here 14 years ago from LA. I've lived in Cedar Grove and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 LA, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
26 upvotes
columbusvibes2022
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely average and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (The Heights) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. weather 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.
25 upvotes
Sebastian Scott
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Atlanta about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is improving.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Adrian Cruz
This.
20 upvotes
Theodore Ramirez
good to know, thanks
20 upvotes
Ella F.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
20 upvotes
Jeremiah Carter
interesting, hadn't considered that
20 upvotes
Miles Sanchez
underrated comment
17 upvotes
Jace Perez
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
15 upvotes
houston_zoe
I work in finance here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
6 upvotes
Santiago Castillo
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Boston about 9 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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