Not sure if this has been asked before, but Rent is about $2,063/month for a decent place. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Any advice would be great. Thanks!
5 upvotes
15 Replies
Abigail M.
it depends on the neighborhood
39 upvotes
Leo Sanders
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The nightlife is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
37 upvotes
Isla
Came here for work and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The traffic is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
34 upvotes
Ronald T.
nah I disagree
32 upvotes
Nova Cox
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in East. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in construction. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Sarah
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 5 years. Moved from Houston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. construction 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking trails 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. Nightlife is limited. Urban sprawl is real. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Amelia Peterson
as a local I can confirm
23 upvotes
Alice P.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
tulsawalker2024
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Kai L.
Came here for quality of life and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The cultural scene is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
11 upvotes
Nevaeh M.
This.
10 upvotes
Bennett Gomez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 34, moved here 4 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The weather situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good 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 Seattle, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K 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.
9 upvotes
Anna Ross
literally same
6 upvotes
Gianna Morales
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Midtown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene 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.
2 upvotes
Owen Thomas
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Greenfield. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in real estate. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.