Random thought, Median household income is $81,121, which feels pretty solid for the area. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Worth the trade-offs? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
10 upvotes
2 Replies
Isabelle Allen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 15 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Isla
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 6 years. Moved from San Diego for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 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. Rising rent and home prices. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.