Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a remote worker and Homes are going for about $511,100 on average. Household incomes average around $60,386 in Willowbrook. Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. Crime rate is something to consider -Willowbrook sits at 1,149.4 per 100K. Median household income is $60,386, which feels about average for the area. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. What are your go-to spots? Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
12 upvotes
7 Replies
Rylee Adams
preach
29 upvotes
Matthew
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 57, moved here 15 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Uptown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Miami, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
21 upvotes
Violet Cook
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Atlanta 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 Riverside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in education. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Korean.
No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
Benjamin Carter
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 Boston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 solid. 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. Nightlife is limited. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Brenda B.
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
19 upvotes
Addison Garcia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Dallas about 9 years ago. The main reasons were work and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is average.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Alexander Castillo
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
All Countries
