Hello, Homes are going for about $580,900 on average. Rent is about $1,619/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $64,248 in National City. The median home value here is around $580,900, which is pretty steep. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Has anyone dealt with this? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
10 upvotes
14 Replies
Aurora Perez
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The weather is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Owen Jones
underrated comment
35 upvotes
Adrian Murphy
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 54, moved here 6 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Riverside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 San Diego, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K 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.
31 upvotes
Matthew Evans
Totally agree!
28 upvotes
Evan Reed
good to know, thanks
25 upvotes
Connor Rivera
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
24 upvotes
Caroline Davis
interesting, hadn't considered that
22 upvotes
Wesley Martin
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Korean places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
20 upvotes
columbus_nicholas
underrated comment
14 upvotes
Jeremiah Mitchell
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from San Diego about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
hazel_native
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 14 years. Moved from Baltimore for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. engineering 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 surprisingly good - 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 pretty good. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Far from beaches/mountains. And healthcare 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.
6 upvotes
charlotte_robert
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Nashville about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Delilah Scott
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
5 upvotes
Eli Richardson
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
- The safety scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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