OK so Military spouse here. The unemployment rate is 1.5%, which is pretty low. With a population of 5,118, Glenwood is a small town. Median household income is $69,320, which feels about average for the area. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
7 upvotes
9 Replies
Clara
exactly what I was thinking
33 upvotes
Aubrey J.
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much affordable but now it's tough.
28 upvotes
maverick_local
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
sf_noah
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Charlotte about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is excellent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Grayson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely excellent and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Highland) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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
Asher Ramirez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Salt Lake City it's challenging.
24 upvotes
real_kai26
I've lived in Old Town for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The nightlife scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Evelyn T.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 13 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 San Francisco, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- The pet-friendliness scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Alexa J.
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The community vibe is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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