Why I chose Fairfield University over bigger cities
Hey, My family moved here when I was a kid. It's a a small town city with about 2,516 people. The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Should I be concerned?
1 upvotes
3 Replies
David Gomez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Austin it's decent.
22 upvotes
Everly Ruiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
22 upvotes
Mateo Nelson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 32, moved here 14 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The nightlife situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
All Countries
