We have two kids and With a population of 7,286, Elkins Park is a small town. The median home value here is around $366,700, which seems about average. It's a a small town city with about 7,286 people. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Any advice would be great. Thanks in advance! It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development.
4 upvotes
5 Replies
Maria W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 9 years. Moved from Boston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. retail 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Fairview schools are pretty 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. Nightlife is limited. Dating scene is rough. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Xavier
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 58, moved here 9 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Oak Park and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
19 upvotes
Owen Jones
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 12 years. Moved from San Francisco for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. government 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's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Midtown 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Nightlife is limited. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, 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.
16 upvotes
Emma M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 1 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
