All Countries
happy_wyatt67
best-worst
Worst things about Alexandria nobody talks about
Thanks in advance! The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
14 upvotes
5 Replies
river_nova31
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 7 years. Moved from Seattle for work. 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 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are hit or miss. 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. Can feel isolated. Bugs and humidity in summer. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Fairview for 7 years. Moved from Seattle for work. 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 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are hit or miss. 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. Can feel isolated. Bugs and humidity in summer. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Peyton Gutierrez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 4 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I've been here 4 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
Eli Young
thanks for sharing
21 upvotes
Brooklyn Carter
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
11 upvotes
Lydia Carter
I've lived in Westside for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
- The job market scene is improving
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
- The job market scene is improving
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes