Hey everyone, We're a young couple and Crime rate is something to consider -Florence sits at 166.8 per 100K. Poverty rate is 5.7%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,163/month for a decent place. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. 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. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
20 upvotes
15 Replies
melanie_walker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 8 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Evan Mendoza
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 8 years. Moved from Minneapolis for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. healthcare 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have mountains 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 surprisingly 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited shopping options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Barbara N.
I've lived in Sunset for about 2 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 San Diego, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- The pet-friendliness scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
omahaguy2024
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 41, moved here 13 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Oak Park and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Denver, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K 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
Aaron
accurate
30 upvotes
Charlotte Hall
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 2 years. Moved from LA for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is tough - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are tough. 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. Nightlife is limited. Bugs and humidity in summer. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Ezekiel Morris
hard disagree but ok
26 upvotes
Owen Long
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
Mason R.
spot on
17 upvotes
Nicholas Rivera
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in South area are underrated. Kids love it here.
15 upvotes
Isabelle Bennett
interesting, hadn't considered that
13 upvotes
sdchef2024
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
11 upvotes
nathan_native
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
9 upvotes
Axel James
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
5 upvotes
proud_gabriella57
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
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