OK so I grew up here but left for a while. Rent is about $902/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. TIA! Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to.
10 upvotes
10 Replies
Lucy Evans
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- The nightlife scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Scarlett P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 1 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
real estate is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are surprisingly good. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Dating scene is rough. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
mesaheart2020
hard disagree but ok
33 upvotes
Sophia
couldn't agree more
30 upvotes
Victoria W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 24, moved here 6 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in North and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The cost of living situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Charlotte, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
28 upvotes
Autumn Brown
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The walkability is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
22 upvotes
Sarah Ross
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 11 years. Moved from Phoenix for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Westside schools are underrated. 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Adrian Wright
Totally agree!
13 upvotes
nevaeh_vibes
Used to live on the Westside side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
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