Curious what people think. I'm retired and Rent is about $1,303/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 4.4%, which is about average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I wrong here? Appreciate any input. The weather takes some getting used to.
30 upvotes
7 Replies
Victoria Bennett
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much pricey but now it's excellent.
40 upvotes
Philip R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Uptown. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in legal. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
denver_eliana
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
30 upvotes
tampa_elijah
+1
23 upvotes
Paisley M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 36, moved here 3 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Old Town and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K 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.
14 upvotes
Dominic Nelson
not my experience at all
5 upvotes
Dennis L.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- The community vibe scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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