Sign In Register
Nova Johnson best-worst

Fairwood CDP (King County) vs Boston -which is better?

Hi all, Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Am I overthinking this? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
1 upvotes

3 Replies

Ava
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a project manager, 33, moved here 6 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in North and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.

**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
39 upvotes
Jose R.
wish I knew this sooner
7 upvotes
Skylar Thomas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Eastside for 6 years. Moved from Baltimore for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.

**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. manufacturing 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Eastside schools are pretty 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. Limited high-paying job options. Can feel isolated. And safety can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
0 upvotes
← Back to Fairwood CDP (King County) Community