Hello, Household incomes average around $147,250 in Crofton. Poverty rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Crofton sits at 132.9 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Am I overthinking this? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
7 upvotes
11 Replies
Jaxon Evans
yep
38 upvotes
Luna B.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from San Diego about 13 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Luke C.
facts
37 upvotes
James Scott
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely average and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Highland) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare 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.
36 upvotes
Piper C.
following this thread
32 upvotes
John C.
I've lived in Fairview for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The weather scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Evan Wright
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 Austin for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
healthcare is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 solid. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Homeless population growing downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Kathryn S.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
14 upvotes
Dominic Mendoza
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in North. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in retail. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
14 upvotes
Parker Brooks
+1
4 upvotes
Henry
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 4 years. Moved from Nashville for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. education 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 surprisingly good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are surprisingly good. 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. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.