I'm retired and The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Thoughts? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
22 upvotes
29 Replies
Aaron Reed
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Miami about 11 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Ethan Lee
This.
37 upvotes
Jose Rogers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 5 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Cameron B.
couldn't agree more
34 upvotes
Vivian Kelly
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
Jace Evans
nah I disagree
31 upvotes
Zoe Myers
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The traffic is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
29 upvotes
Delilah Ramirez
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
- The traffic scene is average
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
Brooklyn Lopez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Daniel D.
good to know, thanks
27 upvotes
Kyle P.
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor recreation is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
25 upvotes
raised_christian22
seconding this
24 upvotes
Ellie
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 58, moved here 4 years ago from Houston. I've lived in North and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for retirees. better than expected 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 Houston, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
16 upvotes
Jackson Howard
same here
16 upvotes
fresno_brooklyn
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Nora R.
seconding this
13 upvotes
raleigh_ella
Moved here last year, no regrets.
13 upvotes
Jonathan Brooks
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
12 upvotes
Brooklyn C.
spot on
11 upvotes
Olivia Stewart
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
John Gray
I'm a project manager and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
7 upvotes
Ralph R.
yep
7 upvotes
Lucy W.
thanks for sharing
6 upvotes
Gabriel Morgan
big facts right here
5 upvotes
Brooks Moore
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 6 years. Moved from Tampa for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are excellent. 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. Property taxes are high. And healthcare 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.
5 upvotes
Jayden Chavez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
5 upvotes
Piper Gutierrez
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
4 upvotes
Alexa R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 9 years. Moved from Dallas for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality 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's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are excellent. 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. Can feel isolated. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Ezra Mendoza
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
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