OK so I work in consulting and Household incomes average around $107,308 in Fairview. The median home value here is around $544,800, which is pretty steep. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What would you do? Looking forward to hearing from you all. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
11 upvotes
9 Replies
desert_serenity35
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 26, moved here 5 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited shopping options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for remote workers. hit or miss 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$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.
37 upvotes
Luke Mitchell
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Leonardo G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely average and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Downtown) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
32 upvotes
Gabriel Hall
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in East area are tough. Kids love it here.
25 upvotes
Samuel H.
honestly same experience here
21 upvotes
Mia
haha yep pretty much
19 upvotes
lake_ezra55
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
17 upvotes
Noah M.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Hannah Garcia
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Oak Park. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
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