I'm single, late 40s, and Homes are going for about $123,700 on average. You can expect to pay around $829 for rent here. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Thoughts? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
0 upvotes
14 Replies
Cora Mitchell
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
40 upvotes
Adeline Cook
noted, appreciate it
37 upvotes
Caroline Nguyen
100%
34 upvotes
Lillian R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 12 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
Easton Scott
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 24, moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in West and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Can feel isolated
3. The food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. excellent 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 Baltimore, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
29 upvotes
Christian Watson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Charlotte about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Waylon
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is average in most areas.
27 upvotes
nola_ariana
I work in hospitality here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is improving. Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
ruby_heart
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Baltimore it's hit or miss.
18 upvotes
Xavier Rodriguez
Bought a house here in 2020 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
16 upvotes
Nevaeh Brown
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 11 years. Moved from Nashville for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
consulting is strong here. finance 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches 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 surprisingly good. 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. Nightlife is limited. Can feel isolated. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Austin J.
big facts right here
14 upvotes
seattlerunner2022
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Pine Hills area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Landon
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much established but now it's better than expected.