Longtime lurker here, Military spouse here. Homes are going for about $516,200 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Anthem sits at 148.1 per 100K. Median household income is $117,846, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 73--F, so it's warm year-round. Rent is about $2,258/month for a decent place. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Good schools
- Low taxes
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Boring for young people
- Homelessness issues downtown
Let me know your thoughts. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
4 upvotes
10 Replies
Zoey
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely improving and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Eastside) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
34 upvotes
Wesley White
Moved here from Houston about 1 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Natalie
underrated comment
23 upvotes
aurora_lover
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 31, moved here 5 years ago from New York. I've lived in Springfield and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cultural scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 New York, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
20 upvotes
Aaron R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 6 years. Moved from Baltimore for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
finance is strong here. construction 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have lakes 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 underrated. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Property taxes are high. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Xavier Smith
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from San Diego about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Leah Hernandez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 6 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Ellie Morris
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
13 upvotes
Austin Peterson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to LA it's average.
5 upvotes
Angela C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 8 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. tech 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains 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 average. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Rising rent and home prices. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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