Longtime lurker here, I'm a remote worker and Household incomes average around $112,546 in Baywood. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. Homes are going for about $411,900 on average. Median household income is $112,546, which feels pretty solid for the area. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
1 upvotes
14 Replies
Emmett Edwards
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
40 upvotes
Landon Jones
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
38 upvotes
Declan Morgan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 51, moved here 8 years ago from Houston. I've lived in The Heights and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The job market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Houston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
37 upvotes
Jacob G.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in East. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
Camila S.
Can confirm, been here 13 years.
34 upvotes
Jacob Bailey
I've lived in Greenfield for about 13 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 Houston, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- The dating scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Levi Sanchez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
32 upvotes
sunny_willow79
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 12 years. Moved from Minneapolis for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. healthcare 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 pretty good - 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 better than expected. 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. Limited high-paying job options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, 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.
27 upvotes
Claire Kim
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Austin about 14 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
tulsaheart2025
honestly same experience here
22 upvotes
Ryan M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
7 upvotes
Piper C.
I work in manufacturing here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is pretty good. No regrets on my end..
3 upvotes
Audrey
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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