You can expect to pay around $1,291 for rent here. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Am I wrong here? Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
20 upvotes
6 Replies
Valentina
spot on
22 upvotes
Sarah
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Pine Hills. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Nicole R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 33, moved here 4 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Oak Park and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
18 upvotes
Ezekiel Kelly
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 8 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. marketing 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is solid - we have hiking trails 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 decent. 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. Dating scene is rough. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Bryan C.
I've lived in The Heights for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The traffic scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Michael T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 15 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.