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Bennett James
qa
Best restaurants in St. Clair Shores?
There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Am I wrong here? The city has invested a lot in new development.
16 upvotes
24 Replies
Jacob M.
exactly what I was thinking
40 upvotes
Luke
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Dallas about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Dallas about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Adeline Jones
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
35 upvotes
Mateo Adams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 12 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I've been here 12 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
austin_kai
bump
32 upvotes
Sharon K.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Skylar Anderson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 10 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
I've been here 10 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Caroline Davis
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 10 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is decent - we have ski resorts 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 improving. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 10 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is decent - we have ski resorts 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 improving. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Jacob Bailey
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Lucas Chavez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
24 upvotes
Nolan Gonzalez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is solid.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is solid.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Evan Thomas
Moved here from New York about 9 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to healthcare but Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Sebastian Peterson
preach
22 upvotes
Benjamin Cooper
Moved here from Phoenix about 3 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to dating scene but Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Theodore Morales
big facts right here
20 upvotes
Eleanor Gonzalez
wish I knew this sooner
19 upvotes
Eleanor Perez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Westside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Westside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
19 upvotes
Lillian Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 8 years. Moved from LA for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. government 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is solid - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Bugs and humidity in summer. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Riverside for 8 years. Moved from LA for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. government 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is solid - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Bugs and humidity in summer. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
dc_ella
good to know, thanks
11 upvotes
Kayden
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 41, moved here 13 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Sunset and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Can feel isolated
3. The pet-friendliness situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. underrated 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 San Francisco, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
Background: I'm a chef, 41, moved here 13 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Sunset and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Can feel isolated
3. The pet-friendliness situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. underrated 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 San Francisco, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
10 upvotes
Kayden King
Bought a house here in 2020 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone about the same since then.
10 upvotes
Avery
it depends on the neighborhood
9 upvotes
Adrian Torres
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 14 years. Moved from LA for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
real estate is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside 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. Nightlife is limited. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Eastside for 14 years. Moved from LA for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
real estate is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside 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. Nightlife is limited. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Sofia M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from San Diego about 13 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from San Diego about 13 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
4 upvotes