Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Household incomes average around $98,709 in Norwalk. It's a a mid-size city city with about 101K people. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
58 upvotes
10 Replies
Jace Gutierrez
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
- The outdoor recreation scene is tough
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Jacob L.
I work in real estate here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is underrated. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Michael K.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 12 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
Landon Clark
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 5 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Clara L.
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 9 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Lakewood and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. average 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 Seattle, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
17 upvotes
Noah Gray
bump
14 upvotes
lagirl2022
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 32, moved here 4 years ago from LA. I've lived in East and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 LA, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
8 upvotes
Carter K.
I'm a social worker and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
7 upvotes
Adeline Davis
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Midtown area are solid. Kids love it here.
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