So, I'm a college student here and Household incomes average around $147,952 in Fair Lawn. The suburbs are where most families end up. Would love some local perspective. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
19 upvotes
8 Replies
Dylan Anderson
nah I disagree
37 upvotes
Brielle C.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
Wyatt Wright
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Pittsburgh 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 Downtown. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in construction. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
31 upvotes
Dylan Gomez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Charlotte it's underrated.
30 upvotes
samuel_life
it depends on the neighborhood
22 upvotes
wild_asher45
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 55, moved here 13 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Meadowbrook and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Bugs and humidity in summer
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Dallas, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K 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.
6 upvotes
Axel M.
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Highland area are decent. Kids love it here.
5 upvotes
Olivia H.
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone down slightly since then.