Curious what people think. With a population of 20,884, Arnold is a small town. The weather takes some getting used to. Am I wrong here?
4 upvotes
7 Replies
Ava C.
as a local I can confirm
36 upvotes
Reagan E.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Atlanta about 1 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is challenging.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Dorothy 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 15 years. Moved from Austin for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is solid - we have rivers 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 challenging. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
la_dylan
lol so true
17 upvotes
Julia Jones
good to know, thanks
17 upvotes
Samantha E.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Baltimore about 8 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
Olivia Peterson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 9 years. Moved from San Diego for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. tech 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 hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are improving. 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. Limited public transit options. Urban sprawl is real. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.