Random thought, I work in tech and Average temperature is around 61--F, so the weather is moderate. You can expect to pay around $903 for rent here. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
5 upvotes
15 Replies
mountain_jonathan17
good to know, thanks
38 upvotes
Vivian Cruz
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Miami it's better than expected.
36 upvotes
Jameson Ortiz
good to know, thanks
35 upvotes
Hazel Edwards
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Maria M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 50, moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Old Town and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The pet-friendliness situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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
Riley Diaz
Saving this thread
26 upvotes
Easton R.
I'm a sales manager and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
17 upvotes
Ethan Watson
hmm interesting perspective
15 upvotes
Anna C.
Moved here from Denver about 11 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to school system but Feel free to reach out with questions..
11 upvotes
Leo Sanders
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The safety is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
9 upvotes
Jose Diaz
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Eleanor Jones
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
6 upvotes
Henry Phillips
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 New York for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is average - 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 better than expected. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Road conditions need improvement. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Luke
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Tampa about 15 years ago. The main reasons were weather and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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