Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Does this match your experience?
6 upvotes
10 Replies
Raymond C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 27, moved here 11 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Sunset and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Property taxes are high
3. The healthcare situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 San Diego, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
39 upvotes
Stella G.
yep
35 upvotes
nyc_josiah
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
30 upvotes
Brooklyn Rogers
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
aiden_guy
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Uptown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
27 upvotes
Parker Martin
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
18 upvotes
Isaac Castillo
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much reasonable but now it's hit or miss.
15 upvotes
Laura C.
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Oak Park area are improving. Kids love it here.
15 upvotes
Leonardo Evans
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 10 years. Moved from Phoenix for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. education 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Chain restaurants dominate. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Evan Ruiz
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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