Should I move to Fairwood CDP (Spokane County) or stay in Omaha?
First post here. Born and raised here. Homes are going for about $435,200 on average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to.
4 upvotes
12 Replies
Serenity White
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 7 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Eva Green
I've lived in Lakewood for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The dating scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Olivia Garcia
bump
33 upvotes
Kai Jones
Saving this thread
29 upvotes
Victoria C.
I work in government here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
fresno_brooklyn
spot on
21 upvotes
Miles P.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Wesley
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 7 years. Moved from Minneapolis for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Oak Park schools are challenging. 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. Property taxes are high. Limited shopping options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Bella Anderson
accurate
8 upvotes
Victoria Wood
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely challenging and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour 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.
7 upvotes
Joyce R.
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
6 upvotes
William Thomas
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
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.
All Countries
