Anyone else feel this way? Just moved here 14 months ago and Rent is about $1,875/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 59--F, so the weather is moderate. Median household income is $107,847, which feels pretty solid for the area. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
25 upvotes
14 Replies
Hannah Evans
not my experience at all
39 upvotes
John Turner
good to know, thanks
38 upvotes
Luna Anderson
same here
38 upvotes
Adam Adams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 12 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
happy_quinn28
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 48, moved here 1 years ago from New York. I've lived in South and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The job market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 New York, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
23 upvotes
James L.
Bought a house here in 2017 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
20 upvotes
Serenity
as a local I can confirm
20 upvotes
Ezra Bennett
seconding this
19 upvotes
Avery Robinson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Boston it's tough.
13 upvotes
Bella Smith
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
7 upvotes
Isaac Ruiz
I've lived in East for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- The walkability scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
3 upvotes
Carson Bailey
spot on
2 upvotes
James Campbell
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
2 upvotes
Wyatt Ortiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 15 years. Moved from Tampa for my partner's job. 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 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:**
healthcare is strong here. government 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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 average. 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 cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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