Hello, Military spouse here. Rent is about $1,851/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $1,851 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Fairland sits at 593.4 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 4.9%, which is about average. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to.
Pros:
- Low crime in most areas
- Diverse community
- Low taxes
- Lots of new development
Cons:
- Limited dining options
- Lack of diversity
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Boring for young people
- Homelessness issues downtown
What do you all think? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. 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. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
2 upvotes
18 Replies
Piper A.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in real estate. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Bella Y.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 49, moved here 13 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Greenfield and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Can feel isolated
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Atlanta, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.
32 upvotes
William S.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
29 upvotes
Silas Green
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 13 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
Roman Ward
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Eastside. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
samuel_vibes
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The healthcare is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
21 upvotes
Delilah R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Denver about 10 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Leonardo Anderson
honestly same experience here
17 upvotes
denvernative2023
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much affordable but now it's better than expected.
17 upvotes
Autumn
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
17 upvotes
Nevaeh Sanders
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much wild but now it's solid.
15 upvotes
Emilia Murphy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 11 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is tough.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Savannah Bailey
I'm a contractor and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
11 upvotes
Hunter R.
same here
9 upvotes
Angel
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The housing market is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
9 upvotes
Matthew White
100%
7 upvotes
desert_hannah12
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 38, moved here 4 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Pine Hills and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for remote workers. excellent 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 Austin, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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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