Hi all, My family moved here when I was a kid. Homes are going for about $398,600 on average. The median home value here is around $398,600, which seems about average. It's a a smaller city city with about 78,803 people. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
30 upvotes
2 Replies
John G.
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 9 years. Moved from Chicago for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited entertainment options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Aaliyah Cook
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 14 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
