First post here. We're a young couple and Homes are going for about $160,000 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Phenix City sits at 643.9 per 100K. It's a a smaller city city with about 38,477 people. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. Worth the trade-offs? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
2 upvotes
10 Replies
Nova Sanchez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 54, moved here 8 years ago from LA. I've lived in East and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The job market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K 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.
37 upvotes
seattlerunner2022
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 8 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Amanda B.
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 8 years. Moved from Atlanta for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is solid - we have desert landscapes 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 hit or miss. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Can feel isolated. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Nicholas Baker
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Skylar J.
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Downtown area are decent. Kids love it here.
19 upvotes
Charlotte Phillips
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely solid and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Fairview) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
15 upvotes
Cora
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- The safety scene is solid
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
13 upvotes
Emmett Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 54, moved here 8 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in The Heights and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Affordable housing options
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. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The cultural scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for young professionals. improving 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 Tampa, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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
Grace Young
I'm a electrician and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is average and there's always something going on.
4 upvotes
Josiah Brown
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
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