Anyone else feel this way? I'm a 38-year-old nurse and Poverty rate is 11.7%, which is around average. Rent is about $1,374/month for a decent place. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. TIA! Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Hazel King
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Dominic W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 14 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Luca
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Southern places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
35 upvotes
Zoe
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 15 years. Moved from New York for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. 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 decent. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Nicholas C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 1 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Jesse A.
great question, following
26 upvotes
David Foster
Bought a house here in 2022 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone about the same since then.
21 upvotes
Sebastian Ruiz
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Oak Park area are challenging. Kids love it here.
18 upvotes
Valentina Hall
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
8 upvotes
Lillian
interesting, hadn't considered that
8 upvotes
Adam F.
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The healthcare is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
4 upvotes
Leah Foster
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Dallas about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is decent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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