OK so I'm originally from New York and The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. What do you all think? The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
24 upvotes
5 Replies
Jayden
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 34, moved here 6 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Downtown and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cultural scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. average 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
39 upvotes
Harper C.
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
33 upvotes
native_adeline64
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 13 years. Moved from Chicago for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Cedar Grove schools are decent. 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. Nightlife is limited. Homeless population growing downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Savannah Hill
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely challenging and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Highland) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
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