Longtime lurker here, I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is about average. It's a a small town city with about 15,248 people. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Let me know your thoughts. Looking forward to hearing from you all. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to.
0 upvotes
5 Replies
Ezra Rogers
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
raised_benjamin7
preach
18 upvotes
Leonardo James
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
Samuel N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 35, moved here 9 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Fairview and Maple Ridge, 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. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
12 upvotes
Ethan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 5 years. Moved from Austin for school. 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 about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have mountains 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 tough. 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 shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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