Brookings is underrated, change my mind

Eliana Nguyen Feb 17, 2025

OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:

Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Fairview. It's challenging for what you get.

Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in government you might struggle.

People: Generally underrated. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.

Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Korean.

Hope this helps!.

28 upvotes

Elena Feb 10, 2025

Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Fairview for 2 years. Moved from Minneapolis for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. 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. Older homes are where the value is.

**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. 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. 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.

12 upvotes