Hey folks, The median home value here is around $221,600, which is actually reasonable. Rent is about $1,243/month for a decent place. With a population of 60,418, Meriden is a smaller city. Homes are going for about $221,600 on average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Thanks in advance! I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. 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. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
16 upvotes
7 Replies
Jackson Howard
wish I knew this sooner
39 upvotes
Aaron Hughes
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
39 upvotes
phoenix_emily
not my experience at all
29 upvotes
Madelyn Baker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Uptown. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Aurora
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 1 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Easton Bennett
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 1 years. Moved from Miami for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2016 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:**
government is strong here. tech 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have lakes 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. Rising rent and home prices. Property taxes are high. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Elizabeth S.
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.