First post here. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 25,572 people. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
17 upvotes
15 Replies
Ezekiel Reyes
haha yep pretty much
40 upvotes
victoria_guy
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor recreation is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
Wesley Flores
thanks for sharing
35 upvotes
Madeline
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 4 years. Moved from Baltimore for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. government 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's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 decent. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited shopping options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Mateo Jackson
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
31 upvotes
Jordan Adams
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
21 upvotes
Eugene T.
This.
18 upvotes
Wesley Castillo
lol so true
18 upvotes
Austin Gonzalez
I've lived in Old Town for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The healthcare scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Grace Lee
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely improving and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (East) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
11 upvotes
Camila S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 29, moved here 12 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The housing market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. challenging 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 Portland, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
10 upvotes
Joseph White
facts
8 upvotes
Margaret E.
seconding this
7 upvotes
Gianna Lee
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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