Random thought, I work in automotive and Household incomes average around $72,586 in Marengo. The median home value here is around $206,100, which is actually reasonable. With a population of 7,123, Marengo is a small town. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. Would love some local perspective. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
12 upvotes
9 Replies
Mackenzie Kim
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 5 years. Moved from Minneapolis for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
marketing is strong here. retail 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are hit or miss. 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. Property taxes are high. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Nova P.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Dominic Perez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Greenfield. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Indian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Henry Wright
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
20 upvotes
peyton_fan
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Meadowbrook. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in government. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Emilia H.
accurate
11 upvotes
Robert
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- The housing market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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