Hey folks, We have two kids and Poverty rate is 17.2%, which is higher than I expected. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Should I be concerned? Appreciate any input. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
10 upvotes
8 Replies
kc_vivian
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 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 Old Town. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in tech. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Mason
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
32 upvotes
Angel Wood
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 8 years. Moved from Denver for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 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:**
construction is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 underrated. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited high-paying job options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Naomi Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 39, moved here 1 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Uptown and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The dating scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Tampa, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
25 upvotes
Leo
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely excellent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
23 upvotes
Hannah Phillips
following this thread
8 upvotes
Melanie Lopez
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
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