It's a a small town city with about 11,036 people. The median home value here is around $242,400, which is actually reasonable. Poverty rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Is this normal for Merriam? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
9 upvotes
11 Replies
Eva Hall
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 13 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is solid - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are tough. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Walter L.
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Greenfield area are solid. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
Jordan Castillo
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in East area are average. Kids love it here.
36 upvotes
Josiah M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 8 years. Moved from Nashville for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly 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 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Downtown 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. Winters are long and cold. Urban sprawl is real. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Connor Ward
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 2 years. Moved from Charlotte for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking trails 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 underrated. 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 entertainment options. Far from beaches/mountains. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
phoenix_melanie
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
31 upvotes
Isla K.
I work in healthcare here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is hit or miss. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
John Adams
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely underrated and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Highland) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
20 upvotes
Brooks Diaz
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is underrated in most areas.
18 upvotes
Lillian Reed
thanks for sharing
16 upvotes
Grayson Carter
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Korean places. it was the best decision I ever made.
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