Hey, Been living here since 2015. It's a a small town city with about 15,946 people. With a population of 15,946, Washington is a small town. The median home value here is around $216,700, which is actually reasonable. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to.
14 upvotes
15 Replies
Aiden Anderson
Bought a house here in 2017 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
32 upvotes
Zoe Sanders
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 Phoenix for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have rivers 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 tough. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Can feel isolated. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, 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.
29 upvotes
Violet K.
this is the way
27 upvotes
waylon_dude
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
William Hughes
exactly what I was thinking
25 upvotes
real_avery19
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely underrated and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Springfield) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
24 upvotes
desert_brooklyn29
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 56, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Lakewood and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Can feel isolated
3. The community vibe situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Boston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
22 upvotes
Luke Nelson
I've lived in The Heights for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
- The public transit scene is improving
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Feel free to reach out with questions..
21 upvotes
Ellie C.
following this thread
20 upvotes
Lillian Sanders
literally same
18 upvotes
Scarlett Brooks
same here
10 upvotes
Lillian Lee
following this thread
6 upvotes
Jaxon Morgan
spot on
5 upvotes
Leo Clark
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 5 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
3 upvotes
Nevaeh Castillo
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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