First post here. I relocated for work and Median household income is $61,228, which feels about average for the area. Poverty rate is 9.9%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
47 upvotes
22 Replies
Christian Mendoza
literally same
39 upvotes
Aaron G.
couldn't agree more
35 upvotes
Claire K.
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Korean places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
33 upvotes
Easton Kelly
This.
33 upvotes
Eli Scott
I work in construction here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is challenging. Definitely worth checking out..
31 upvotes
Kinsley Campbell
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Charlotte about 14 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Aiden Evans
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
29 upvotes
Rylee T.
I'm a marketing manager and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
Luna
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
25 upvotes
Jayden C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Seattle about 4 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Delilah
thanks for sharing
20 upvotes
Lily Edwards
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much reasonable but now it's average.
16 upvotes
Jeremiah Nguyen
This.
15 upvotes
mountain_levi82
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 53, moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Springfield and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The dating scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
12 upvotes
Audrey
it depends on the neighborhood
11 upvotes
Madeline
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 7 years. Moved from San Diego for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is average - we have rivers 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 hit or miss. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
local_dominic98
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 12 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
Luca Rivera
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
6 upvotes
David H.
literally same
6 upvotes
Isla Miller
exactly what I was thinking
6 upvotes
Rylee
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
6 upvotes
Leonardo Wilson
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
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