Curious what people think. Been living here since 2021. You can expect to pay around $1,645 for rent here. Rent is about $1,645/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $506,200 on average. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. 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 parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
6 upvotes
11 Replies
Nathan S.
Bought a house here in 2016 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
33 upvotes
Wyatt M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 32, moved here 13 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Oak Park and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.
29 upvotes
Maya Anderson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Leo Anderson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Leah Sanchez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 5 years. Moved from Boston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2016 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have state parks 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. Limited public transit options. Dating scene is rough. And dating scene 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.
23 upvotes
Sadie Turner
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in real estate. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Elena
hmm interesting perspective
17 upvotes
Santiago E.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is decent in most areas.
14 upvotes
Declan Patel
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Jaxon Allen
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
12 upvotes
Maya Young
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 15 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 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:**
manufacturing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is decent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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