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Jeremiah Ortiz
jobs
Freelancing from Fountain Inn -experience?
So, Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Does this match your experience?
6 upvotes
12 Replies
Ezra Ruiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 32, moved here 11 years ago from Houston. I've lived in East and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The dating scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Houston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$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.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 32, moved here 11 years ago from Houston. I've lived in East and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The dating scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Houston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$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.
35 upvotes
Bella Jones
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from San Francisco about 3 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I'm a writer who relocated here from San Francisco about 3 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Thomas M.
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The pet-friendliness is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
32 upvotes
Liam Campbell
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 13 years. Moved from Minneapolis for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. consulting 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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 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. Limited public transit options. Limited high-paying job options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Fairview for 13 years. Moved from Minneapolis for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. consulting 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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 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. Limited public transit options. Limited high-paying job options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Parker Edwards
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely better than expected and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely better than expected and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
22 upvotes
Mia
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much growing but now it's solid.
21 upvotes
Madelyn P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Springfield for 15 years. Moved from Seattle for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited high-paying job options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Springfield for 15 years. Moved from Seattle for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Springfield 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited high-paying job options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Waylon Hernandez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 41, moved here 15 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Pine Hills and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 41, moved here 15 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Pine Hills and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
16 upvotes
Elizabeth R.
not my experience at all
16 upvotes
Sarah C.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
Ezra L.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
10 upvotes
Lydia Adams
I've lived in Old Town for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by healthcare. 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 job market scene is improving
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by healthcare. 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 job market scene is improving
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
9 upvotes