Curious what people think. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a a smaller city city with about 35,498 people. Median household income is $48,223, which feels on the lower side for the area. You can expect to pay around $860 for rent here. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Thanks in advance! Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
3 upvotes
12 Replies
stl_paisley
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Mason Collins
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 8 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have state parks 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 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. Dating scene is rough. Limited entertainment options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Ava M.
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 1 years. Moved from Minneapolis for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - we have national forests 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 improving. 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. Nightlife is limited. Road conditions need improvement. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Silas Richardson
spot on
22 upvotes
Liam J.
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
22 upvotes
Hailey
not my experience at all
17 upvotes
Paisley James
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
16 upvotes
Theodore Adams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 10 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Christian Phillips
I've lived in East for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Close to major attractions
- The job market scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
9 upvotes
Xavier C.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Meadowbrook area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
Grace Long
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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