Poverty rate is 10.4%, which is around average. Homes are going for about $169,600 on average. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $55,966 in Fairborn. Crime rate is something to consider -Fairborn sits at 260.9 per 100K. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Worth the trade-offs? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up.
22 upvotes
17 Replies
Hudson J.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
Jameson B.
big facts right here
37 upvotes
Lillian Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 3 years. Moved from Austin for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2021 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. hospitality 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 was the best decision I ever made. 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. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Road conditions need improvement. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Frances M.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The cultural scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Lily Brown
big facts right here
33 upvotes
Noah G.
seconding this
33 upvotes
David Brown
I'm a teacher and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
24 upvotes
valentina_girl
following this thread
19 upvotes
wild_ezekiel89
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to San Francisco it's solid.
17 upvotes
oakland_carson
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
nyc_adrian
+1
16 upvotes
peyton_mind
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely tough and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (The Heights) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
14 upvotes
wild_levi57
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
9 upvotes
tucson_matthew
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Jaxon K.
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
8 upvotes
Levi
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 9 years. Moved from Nashville for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2021 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. The Heights 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Rising rent and home prices. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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