Been meaning to ask this. The median home value here is around $288,700, which seems about average. Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 1.9%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Thanks in advance! Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
4 upvotes
14 Replies
Caroline Davis
Moved here from Tampa about 8 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to healthcare but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
Reagan Taylor
facts
37 upvotes
Connor Richardson
big facts right here
37 upvotes
Jonathan Lewis
hard disagree but ok
30 upvotes
Andrew Flores
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much affordable but now it's better than expected.
29 upvotes
Alexa W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Portland about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is excellent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Linda P.
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
26 upvotes
Piper Cook
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 9 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. Uptown schools are average. 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. Nightlife is limited. Far from beaches/mountains. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Michael F.
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much growing but now it's surprisingly good.
15 upvotes
Greyson Castillo
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 11 years. Moved from Denver for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
retail is strong here. tech 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails 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 challenging. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited entertainment options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Connor Murphy
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 11 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is improving - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town 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. Dating scene is rough. Bugs and humidity in summer. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Melanie Parker
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Baltimore it's decent.
8 upvotes
Evan O.
great question, following
7 upvotes
Eva
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
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