So, I'm a remote worker and Rent is about $1,595/month for a decent place. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Any advice would be great. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development.
8 upvotes
14 Replies
Amelia Edwards
it depends on the neighborhood
40 upvotes
Carson Baker
it depends on the neighborhood
38 upvotes
Kai
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The school system scene is average
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Madelyn Foster
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
fresno_emma
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
32 upvotes
Joseph
hmm interesting perspective
30 upvotes
Wesley M.
good to know, thanks
28 upvotes
Ezekiel S.
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
28 upvotes
Hannah
100%
23 upvotes
lake_ezra55
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The community vibe is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
21 upvotes
Chloe
I work in construction here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is improving. Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Audrey H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 50, moved here 11 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Oak Park and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Phoenix, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$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.
15 upvotes
lake_ezra55
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Chicago about 9 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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