Curious what people think. I'm a teacher here and Crime rate is something to consider -Bethpage sits at 22.0 per 100K. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What are your go-to spots? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
12 upvotes
12 Replies
Luna B.
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
Emily Scott
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 47, moved here 15 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Oak Park and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Miami, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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
Carson Stewart
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
36 upvotes
loving_mia60
bump
30 upvotes
Sharon C.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
21 upvotes
Elijah
bump
16 upvotes
nyc_william
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely tough and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Westside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
13 upvotes
Declan Alvarez
Saving this thread
13 upvotes
Zoey
Saving this thread
10 upvotes
Julian Hall
Moved here from Seattle about 12 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to safety but Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Aria Nguyen
preach
4 upvotes
Madelyn Roberts
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 Austin for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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 decent. 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. Property taxes are high. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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