I've been here for 2 years and Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Crime rate is something to consider -Sherrelwood sits at 438.2 per 100K. Median household income is $73,849, which feels about average for the area. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Let me know your thoughts. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
2 upvotes
15 Replies
Luke L.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
olivia_native
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is average and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
Luca Watson
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- The school system scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
31 upvotes
Noah Hernandez
it depends on the neighborhood
25 upvotes
Owen T.
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Kai Ruiz
Moved here from LA about 9 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to weather but Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Lily Moore
same here
13 upvotes
Emilia
hmm interesting perspective
12 upvotes
Bennett
I'm a chef and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
11 upvotes
Henry Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 3 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Gianna Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 46, moved here 14 years ago from LA. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The dating scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 LA, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
8 upvotes
Sadie Thomas
glad someone said it
7 upvotes
Mia Robinson
exactly what I was thinking
6 upvotes
Nevaeh Rivera
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Salt Lake City it's solid.
1 upvotes
Aaron M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 8 years. Moved from Atlanta for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2016 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Pine Hills schools are better than expected. 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. Limited public transit options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
