Hey folks, You can expect to pay around $1,393 for rent here. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
3 upvotes
12 Replies
Addison Scott
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 41, moved here 3 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Eastside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The school system situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Seattle, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
40 upvotes
Arianna G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely excellent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Riverside) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene 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.
36 upvotes
cincyrunner2022
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much affordable but now it's better than expected.
36 upvotes
seattle_miles
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Grayson Ramos
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 9 years. Moved from Miami for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. marketing 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 average - 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 public transit options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Julian Torres
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Cedar Grove. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in retail. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Jack
I'm a real estate agent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
20 upvotes
Ellie Kelly
Moved here last year, no regrets.
20 upvotes
Joseph Harris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 50, moved here 8 years ago from New York. I've lived in Highland and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - 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 healthcare situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 New York, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K 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.
19 upvotes
Mateo Ruiz
good to know, thanks
10 upvotes
Connor C.
wish I knew this sooner
4 upvotes
Madelyn
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely excellent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. weather 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.
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