First post here. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $639,400, which is pretty steep. Poverty rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. With a population of 5,012, Lake of the Pines is a small town. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
15 upvotes
11 Replies
Zoey Adams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 28, moved here 13 years ago from Portland. I've lived in East and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K 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.
34 upvotes
Andrew White
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
32 upvotes
Nicholas H.
nah I disagree
28 upvotes
Kinsley Torres
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
25 upvotes
Avery Diaz
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The pet-friendliness is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Julian Lee
Bought a house here in 2024 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
20 upvotes
Avery Smith
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
14 upvotes
Colton R.
Moved here from San Francisco about 14 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to public transit but Feel free to reach out with questions..
9 upvotes
Greyson Adams
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 3 years. Moved from Charlotte for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Cedar Grove schools are excellent. 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. Limited high-paying job options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Ava
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
5 upvotes
Brooks Young
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
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