I'm a 41-year-old social worker and Homes are going for about $293,100 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Fairfield Plantation sits at 343.2 per 100K. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Any advice would be great. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up.
15 upvotes
15 Replies
Lillian
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 41, moved here 5 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The food scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
40 upvotes
Ruby Reed
Bought a house here in 2024 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
39 upvotes
Mia Roberts
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 1 years. Moved from LA for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
manufacturing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. 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. Eastside schools are decent. 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. Dating scene is rough. Limited entertainment options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Jeremiah Nguyen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 8 years. Moved from New York for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Lakewood schools are surprisingly 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. Winters are long and cold. Property taxes are high. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Skylar Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 2 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Autumn Wilson
interesting, hadn't considered that
31 upvotes
Catherine M.
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
25 upvotes
Hannah
I've lived in Fairview for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- The weather scene is better than expected
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
Ryan H.
noted, appreciate it
16 upvotes
Elena Howard
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Julian J.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 8 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Easton Lewis
Moved here from New York about 7 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to housing market but Happy to answer more specific questions..
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