Hi all, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Crime rate is something to consider -Zebulon sits at 412.8 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 6.6%, which is concerning. You can expect to pay around $1,038 for rent here. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What do you all think? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
3 upvotes
12 Replies
Emmett T.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Matthew Watson
accurate
38 upvotes
Isabelle W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 14 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Dominic Gutierrez
I work in government here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is decent. Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Silas Ramirez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 46, moved here 7 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in The Heights and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
36 upvotes
Brooklyn C.
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 8 years. Moved from Baltimore for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have state parks 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. Winters are long and cold. Nightlife is limited. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Aurora Kelly
been saying this for years
31 upvotes
angel_local
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Chicago about 12 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Sadie Lewis
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much growing but now it's decent.
19 upvotes
Bennett K.
hard disagree but ok
18 upvotes
Ruby Jackson
I've lived in Springfield for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- The community vibe scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
dc_waylon
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 37, moved here 12 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Lakewood and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The walkability situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Dallas, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
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