Alright, Been living here since 2016. Homes are going for about $241,400 on average. Rent is about $1,235/month for a decent place. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Is this normal for Freeland? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
0 upvotes
14 Replies
Avery Brown
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Oak Park. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Greyson Rodriguez
Came here for retirement and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community vibe is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
34 upvotes
Thomas Baker
following this thread
31 upvotes
Lillian Allen
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Westside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in government. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
31 upvotes
indy_grayson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 47, moved here 13 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Cedar Grove and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. challenging 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 Denver, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K 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.
23 upvotes
river_adam46
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely decent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (South) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
19 upvotes
Elijah H.
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The walkability is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Cameron
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- The walkability scene is average
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Aurora King
wish I knew this sooner
13 upvotes
Teresa S.
literally same
12 upvotes
Kai Wilson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Highland. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in legal. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Brooklyn Jones
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 11 years. Moved from Atlanta for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Sunset schools are average. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Dating scene is rough. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Eliana King
wish I knew this sooner
3 upvotes
Angel S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely solid and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (North) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
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