I work in engineering and Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. The median home value here is around $136,200, which is actually reasonable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Should I be concerned? The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
20 upvotes
12 Replies
Victoria L.
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor recreation is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Arianna Clark
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 30, moved here 5 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in North and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Charlotte, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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
Oliver Ortiz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in finance. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Kayden S.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
19 upvotes
Adrian Lee
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Meadowbrook. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in construction. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Evan Rogers
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 6 years. Moved from Boston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. construction 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 solid. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Nightlife is limited. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Grace Young
100%
11 upvotes
Kennedy Ramos
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
10 upvotes
Weston Howard
not my experience at all
9 upvotes
Madelyn Evans
not my experience at all
9 upvotes
Abigail W.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in The Heights area are average. Kids love it here.
5 upvotes
Parker Davis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in tech. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
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