Considering Fall River vs Kansas City -help me decide
So, It's a a smaller city city with about 93,764 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Fall River sits at 867.9 per 100K. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Let me know your thoughts. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
2 upvotes
19 Replies
Miles Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 46, moved here 12 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Old Town and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Property taxes are high
3. The nightlife situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Portland, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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
Sofia Carter
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The cost of living is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
nicholas_mama
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely excellent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (The Heights) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
36 upvotes
Adeline
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Southern places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
27 upvotes
Sebastian Phillips
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Christian Morgan
100%
26 upvotes
Reagan Davis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 54, moved here 4 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The dating scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Phoenix, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$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.
12 upvotes
Allison King
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. No regrets on my end..
9 upvotes
Daniel Rivera
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 9 years. Moved from Tampa for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
tech is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is solid - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Liam
yep
7 upvotes
omahapapa2020
it depends on the neighborhood
7 upvotes
Wyatt Cooper
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Mackenzie Hall
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
7 upvotes
columbus_hazel
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely improving and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Sunset) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
5 upvotes
Carter C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Oak Park. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
4 upvotes
Benjamin
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Minneapolis it's excellent.
4 upvotes
Jeremiah Cox
big facts right here
3 upvotes
Ruth M.
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great farm-to-table places. the quality of life is solid.
1 upvotes
Hunter Murphy
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.