It's a a smaller city city with about 44,998 people. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Does this match your experience?
25 upvotes
14 Replies
Matthew Cooper
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
39 upvotes
Natalie Davis
same here
39 upvotes
phoenix_emily
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great sushi places. it's been a really good experience overall.
36 upvotes
Isaiah M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is solid in most areas.
32 upvotes
nola_evan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Minneapolis about 9 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
26 upvotes
Jameson B.
+1
25 upvotes
Lillian Baker
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Asian places. it was the best decision I ever made.
17 upvotes
Kenneth R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
16 upvotes
Kai Williams
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Nicholas Smith
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
11 upvotes
Nolan Martinez
noted, appreciate it
11 upvotes
Skylar Cox
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is solid.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
9 upvotes
Bruce J.
as a local I can confirm
8 upvotes
Quinn R.
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 9 years. Moved from Atlanta for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 better than expected. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Property taxes are high. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.