Random thought, I grew up here but left for a while. The median home value here is around $289,000, which seems about average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
7 upvotes
7 Replies
Logan M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Parker Collins
I've lived in Lakewood for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- The nightlife scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Benjamin Martinez
100%
18 upvotes
Debra K.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Oak Park. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
Alice Roberts
exactly what I was thinking
16 upvotes
Camila Wood
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 Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
education is strong here. consulting 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. 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. Cedar Grove 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
olivia_native
I've lived in Westside for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
- The weather scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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