Been meaning to ask this. It's a a smaller city city with about 30,983 people.
11 upvotes
3 Replies
Camila C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 51, moved here 12 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Sunset and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Houston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
25 upvotes
Asher Taylor
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Highland area are decent. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
miami_emma
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 8 years. Moved from Miami for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. tech 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have state parks 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 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. Limited entertainment options. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.