So, I'm a 32-year-old firefighter and Crime rate is something to consider -Southfield sits at 272.7 per 100K. Rent is about $1,301/month for a decent place. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Let me know your thoughts. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
15 upvotes
15 Replies
Connor Young
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Pine Hills. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in government. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
Ruby Cruz
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
39 upvotes
Easton Thompson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 3 years. Moved from Raleigh for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. legal 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are underrated. 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 high-paying job options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Benjamin L.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
36 upvotes
Asher Hernandez
I'm a nurse and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Brittany C.
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
24 upvotes
Caroline Cook
Saving this thread
21 upvotes
Rylee C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Denver about 8 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
Lucy Long
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
20 upvotes
Alexander Hughes
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 11 years. Moved from LA for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have mountains 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 hit or miss. 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. Winters are long and cold. Dating scene is rough. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
raleigh_grayson
Came here for school and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The safety is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
18 upvotes
Allison M.
noted, appreciate it
13 upvotes
living_josiah71
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 15 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
12 upvotes
Colton Gutierrez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 10 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
9 upvotes
Kaylee Walker
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
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