OK so I grew up here but left for a while. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Should I be concerned? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
11 upvotes
7 Replies
Santiago Green
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 57, moved here 7 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Greenfield and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Can feel isolated
3. The community vibe situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good 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 San Diego, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
27 upvotes
oaklandliving2024
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
charlottelover2025
preach
18 upvotes
Silas W.
I've lived in Fairview for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The pet-friendliness scene is solid
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Wesley Clark
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely excellent and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Old Town) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
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