Hey everyone, With a population of 2,425, Plum Grove is a small town. The unemployment rate is 0.3%, which is pretty low. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Thoughts?
0 upvotes
14 Replies
Isla
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The cultural scene is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
40 upvotes
columbusrider2024
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 45, moved here 6 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Oak Park and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. excellent 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K 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.
36 upvotes
Kennedy W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 5 years. Moved from Seattle for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. consulting 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's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Downtown schools are tough. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Maya Hughes
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Houston it's hit or miss.
28 upvotes
Adam
Moved here from Austin about 10 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to community vibe but Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Catherine L.
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much growing but now it's tough.
21 upvotes
Gabriel Lopez
accurate
20 upvotes
Hunter Garcia
Bought a house here in 2015 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone about the same since then.
18 upvotes
Josiah Wright
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
14 upvotes
Axel Williams
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
12 upvotes
Isla Parker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Fairview) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
9 upvotes
Luca Harris
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
5 upvotes
Mia Young
couldn't agree more
5 upvotes
Isabella Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 29, moved here 3 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Fairview and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Four distinct seasons
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. Dating scene is rough
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K 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.
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