Been living here since 2008. Homes are going for about $217,900 on average. It's a a smaller city city with about 27,069 people. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Anyone in a similar situation? The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
25 upvotes
5 Replies
Kaylee Castillo
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in retail. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Angel
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 10 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
consulting is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is solid - we have ski resorts 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 hit or miss. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Chain restaurants dominate. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Alexander Thompson
100%
6 upvotes
Sofia
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The nightlife is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
6 upvotes
Julia H.
I've lived in Westside for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- The housing market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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