Hey folks, I've been here for 16 years and Median household income is $84,811, which feels pretty solid for the area. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Anyone in a similar situation? Appreciate any input. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
13 upvotes
25 Replies
Aaron Morris
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 12 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. 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 better than expected. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Chain restaurants dominate. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Gabriella Roberts
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Boston about 1 years ago. The main reasons were family and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Vincent A.
Used to live on the West side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
31 upvotes
Logan Robinson
exactly what I was thinking
30 upvotes
dc_rylee
Moved here from Baltimore about 6 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to cultural scene but Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
Scarlett R.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
29 upvotes
Caroline Bennett
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 14 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Kennedy Roberts
Totally agree!
27 upvotes
Ryan Patel
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 13 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. 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 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Downtown schools are pretty 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. Limited high-paying job options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And weather 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.
26 upvotes
Evelyn Jackson
I've lived in Highland for about 13 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 Houston, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The job market scene is tough
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Leo J.
lol so true
20 upvotes
Katherine A.
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Pine Hills area are excellent. Kids love it here.
19 upvotes
Hunter Campbell
this is the way
18 upvotes
Mia
this is the way
17 upvotes
David Richardson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Seattle about 14 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Audrey Torres
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (West) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
15 upvotes
Adrian Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 44, moved here 13 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Fairview and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Portland, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
14 upvotes
Josiah Patel
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 10 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
Genesis
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 3 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Daniel Patel
Moved here from Minneapolis about 3 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to weather but Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Adam Wilson
this is the way
8 upvotes
Serenity Phillips
hard disagree but ok
3 upvotes
Genesis Cook
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
3 upvotes
Aiden Diaz
yeah no that's not right
1 upvotes
Nolan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 1 years. Moved from Baltimore for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are tough. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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