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Madeline Anderson moving

Moving to Park Ridge for work -advice?

The unemployment rate is 1.8%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $165,391, which feels pretty solid for the area. With a population of 9,218, Park Ridge is a small town. Rent is about $1,995/month for a decent place. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. What are your go-to spots? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to.
14 upvotes

2 Replies

Ella Carter
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The nightlife scene is pretty good

The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Property taxes are high

Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Hudson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a HR manager, 42, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Midtown and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The food scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Boston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$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.
19 upvotes
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