Been living here since 2006. Median household income is $143,704, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 71,885 people. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Am I wrong here? Appreciate any input. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
1 upvotes
5 Replies
Catherine R.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
34 upvotes
Aubrey L.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely challenging and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Riverside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
22 upvotes
Amelia Baker
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Abigail Castillo
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 Tampa for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is average - 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 hit or miss. 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. Winters are long and cold. Homeless population growing downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.