Hello, Military spouse here. You can expect to pay around $1,682 for rent here. Poverty rate is 6.7%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What do you all think? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
0 upvotes
13 Replies
Nathan Cox
I work in legal here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is excellent. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Sophia M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 3 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
Axel M.
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Cedar Grove area are tough. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Joseph B.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely decent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (The Heights) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
28 upvotes
Cameron B.
Saving this thread
27 upvotes
Zoe W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 42, moved here 4 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Old Town and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. excellent 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 Miami, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
25 upvotes
Riley Lee
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Raleigh it's decent.
25 upvotes
Robert H.
yep
21 upvotes
Lucy Thomas
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
Leonardo Wood
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The traffic is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Barbara P.
100%
9 upvotes
Genesis Cruz
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
6 upvotes
Theodore L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 28, moved here 11 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
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. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K 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.
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