Longtime lurker here, I'm a remote worker and Poverty rate is 7.3%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,412 for rent here. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $1,412/month for a decent place. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
9 upvotes
15 Replies
Joshua W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 11 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
sd_naomi
spot on
34 upvotes
Hazel Torres
I work in education here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
chicago_henry
yep
30 upvotes
Mateo King
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 1 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Audrey Kim
bump
21 upvotes
Eleanor Campbell
bump
18 upvotes
Allison Wood
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The food scene is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
17 upvotes
Stella Rogers
spot on
15 upvotes
Maria W.
I'm a software engineer and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
13 upvotes
Lillian Edwards
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 15 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to cultural scene but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
7 upvotes
Nathan King
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 34, moved here 5 years ago from Austin. I've lived in The Heights and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Austin, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
6 upvotes
Theodore
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
5 upvotes
Brooklyn Anderson
honestly same experience here
2 upvotes
Hudson A.
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 Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - we have ski resorts 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 pretty good. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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