People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
12 upvotes
6 Replies
Ellie Jackson
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 Baltimore for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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 decent. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Road conditions need improvement. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Aiden K.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Austin about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is tough.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
36 upvotes
Emmett Cox
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 51, moved here 1 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Westside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The community vibe situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Chicago, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
31 upvotes
Laura C.
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The cultural scene is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Ella S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely improving and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
7 upvotes
Riley Young
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone down slightly since then.