So, Just moved here 16 months ago and With a population of 7,432, Kimberly is a small town. Median household income is $68,295, which feels about average for the area. You can expect to pay around $1,056 for rent here. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Worth the trade-offs? Any help is appreciated. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
0 upvotes
12 Replies
Gabriella
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
38 upvotes
Bennett T.
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 11 years. Moved from Charlotte for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 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:**
finance is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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 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. Nightlife is limited. Road conditions need improvement. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Vivian Ramirez
I work in hospitality here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Isaac
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 7 years. Moved from San Francisco for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. hospitality 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Sunset 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. Winters are long and cold. Urban sprawl is real. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Caroline Garcia
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 12 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Elijah Sanders
as a local I can confirm
24 upvotes
born_luke82
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Phoenix about 14 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is improving.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Maverick S.
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The cultural scene is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Michael R.
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much manageable but now it's hit or miss.
17 upvotes
carson_chef
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
7 upvotes
Marie B.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Maple Ridge. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
Isla J.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.