Hi all, My family moved here when I was a kid. Average temperature is around 60--F, so the weather is moderate. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $34,659, which feels on the lower side for the area. The median home value here is around $88,200, which is actually reasonable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Anyone in a similar situation? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
13 upvotes
12 Replies
Harper Ruiz
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 13 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 LA, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- The pet-friendliness scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Aubrey Long
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 54, moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Westside and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The traffic situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for families. excellent 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 San Francisco, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
38 upvotes
Jordan R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 15 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
Charlotte Kelly
hmm interesting perspective
34 upvotes
Scarlett W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely decent and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
34 upvotes
Wesley James
Bought a house here in 2016 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
29 upvotes
Michael Hill
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Portland about 13 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Emmett Watson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 27, moved here 7 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Lakewood and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
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. Limited public transit options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. challenging 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 Francisco, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
10 upvotes
Lydia Sanchez
underrated comment
7 upvotes
Aria Young
I've lived in Greenfield for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The outdoor recreation scene is improving
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
3 upvotes
Benjamin Wilson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely solid and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Springfield) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
3 upvotes
Alice Gonzalez
Bought a house here in 2018 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
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