Planning a move to Fairfax Station -neighborhoods?
Hi all, We're a young couple and The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Fairfax Station sits at 73.9 per 100K. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Does this match your experience? Any help is appreciated. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
10 upvotes
4 Replies
Greyson Scott
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 14 years. Moved from Houston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. consulting 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 been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is surprisingly 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. Oak Park 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. Property taxes are high. Bugs and humidity in summer. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
portland_amelia
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Wayne T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 8 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
Silas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 38, moved here 11 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Oak Park and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Seattle, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
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