First post here. Military spouse here. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $56,565, which feels about average for the area. With a population of 15,867, Elkton is a small town. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
15 upvotes
12 Replies
omahamind2020
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 4 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Anna
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Isabelle Thomas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 2 years. Moved from Houston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. engineering 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Savannah Harris
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 15 years. Moved from Seattle for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 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:**
construction is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have beaches 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 hit or miss. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And nightlife 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.
23 upvotes
Jordan Mendoza
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
18 upvotes
Riley Torres
good to know, thanks
16 upvotes
Kinsley Scott
yeah no that's not right
11 upvotes
Naomi Smith
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Springfield area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
la_liam
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Oak Park. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in tech. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
5 upvotes
Genesis
I'm a sales manager and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
4 upvotes
John Hill
noted, appreciate it
3 upvotes
Paisley
Came here for cost of living and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The safety is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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