OK so Crime rate is something to consider -Merrick sits at 119.0 per 100K. The weather takes some getting used to. What are your go-to spots? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up.
15 upvotes
15 Replies
Isaiah Kelly
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
Connor Baker
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Southern places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
35 upvotes
Eugene P.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
35 upvotes
Brooklyn Robinson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Seattle it's average.
34 upvotes
Aubrey
bump
33 upvotes
Angel Watson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 42, moved here 3 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Springfield and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The traffic situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Tampa, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
32 upvotes
Abigail D.
lol so true
31 upvotes
desert_jonathan28
+1
31 upvotes
Mackenzie Roberts
I've lived in Riverside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The housing market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Madison H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Fairview) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
26 upvotes
Delilah R.
I work in legal here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is decent. Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
Logan G.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
15 upvotes
Jameson Rivera
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 13 years. Moved from San Diego for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2024 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have mountains 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Kennedy Foster
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 56, moved here 8 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in The Heights and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The job market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Atlanta, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
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