First post here. Average temperature is around 44--F, so bundle up in winter. It's a a small town city with about 6,704 people. The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
7 upvotes
6 Replies
Theodore Parker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 3 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Adrian H.
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 6 years. Moved from San Diego for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
healthcare is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have hiking trails 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Not very walkable outside downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Jaxon Bailey
exactly what I was thinking
26 upvotes
Eli Cook
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 6 years. Moved from Seattle for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. marketing 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is solid - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West 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. Property taxes are high. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
jaxwalker2024
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from San Diego about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is average.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
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