Median household income is $144,516, which feels pretty solid for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
8 upvotes
23 Replies
Weston Howard
honestly same experience here
39 upvotes
Owen Robinson
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
34 upvotes
Nolan Edwards
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
33 upvotes
Avery Cruz
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much growing but now it's solid.
32 upvotes
Dylan M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 37, moved here 3 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Pine Hills and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The walkability situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Charlotte, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K 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.
32 upvotes
Daniel Lopez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 9 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Willow S.
same here
28 upvotes
born_joseph43
Moved here from Boston about 2 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to healthcare but Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Aurora Collins
I work in retail here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is excellent. No regrets on my end..
26 upvotes
Logan Ruiz
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
24 upvotes
Piper P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Portland about 4 years ago. The main reasons were work and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Feel free to reach out with questions..
24 upvotes
Emma F.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Maya Allen
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
David Taylor
Moved here from Baltimore about 8 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to traffic but No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Lucy M.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- The community vibe scene is tough
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Everly D.
this is the way
16 upvotes
Benjamin G.
I work in government here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is underrated. Hope this helps!.
14 upvotes
Easton S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 36, moved here 10 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Eastside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
11 upvotes
Avery S.
hmm interesting perspective
8 upvotes
Greyson Scott
underrated comment
6 upvotes
cincy_andrew
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The public transit is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Brielle White
seconding this
5 upvotes
Matthew Phillips
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 38, moved here 7 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Riverside and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The food scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Chicago, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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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