I'm originally from Phoenix and It's a a major city city with about 544K people. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Worth the trade-offs? Appreciate any input. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
17 upvotes
13 Replies
Madeline Rogers
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely challenging and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (West) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife 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.
39 upvotes
Wesley A.
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 3 years. Moved from Charlotte for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
marketing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have lakes 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. Urban sprawl is real. Road conditions need improvement. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Isabella Edwards
glad someone said it
34 upvotes
Emmett T.
I've lived in Greenfield for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- The housing market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
Santiago Johnson
Used to live on the West side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
26 upvotes
Everly Foster
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 3 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Audrey Bennett
bump
20 upvotes
Charlotte Lewis
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 4 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North 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
Owen S.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is average in most areas.
14 upvotes
Isaiah C.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
10 upvotes
Brielle Hughes
I've lived in Fairview for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- The public transit scene is average
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Ariana Hughes
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.