Thinking about relocating to Willow Grove from Kansas City
Curious what people think. Rent is about $1,677/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Has anyone dealt with this? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
12 upvotes
7 Replies
Matthew
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
34 upvotes
ellie_girl
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely challenging and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Fairview) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
30 upvotes
nashvillegirl2023
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Fairview. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in tech. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Indian.
No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Adam O.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 10 years. Moved from Chicago for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are challenging. 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 cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Isla Hughes
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
27 upvotes
Aaron C.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Daniel M.
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
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