Hey folks, I grew up here but left for a while. It's a a small town city with about 17,212 people. Poverty rate is 15.7%, which is higher than I expected. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What neighborhoods would you suggest? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
1 upvotes
7 Replies
Justin M.
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- The school system scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Everett Rivera
100%
40 upvotes
Ellie Rogers
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in East area are decent. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Nova Murphy
glad someone said it
23 upvotes
Hailey Taylor
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Raleigh about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Eliana W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 8 years. Moved from Charlotte for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2022 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. consulting 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - 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 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. Property taxes are high. Chain restaurants dominate. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Robert Howard
Moved here from Phoenix about 13 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to cost of living but Happy to answer more specific questions..
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