So, The median home value here is around $495,700, which is pretty steep. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Thoughts? TIA! There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
34 upvotes
8 Replies
Gianna J.
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Italian places. it was the best decision I ever made.
31 upvotes
Nora Lopez
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 7 years. Moved from San Francisco for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have beaches 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 solid. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Sadie G.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Pine Hills. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in education. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Mackenzie
I've lived in Midtown for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- The pet-friendliness scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
8 upvotes
Emmett Chavez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 14 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Nicholas Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 27, moved here 11 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Riverside and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Bugs and humidity in summer
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Atlanta, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
7 upvotes
Emily F.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is tough in most areas.
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