Anyone else feel this way? Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 8.7%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 17,026 people. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Am I overthinking this? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
10 upvotes
8 Replies
Adrian Young
I've lived in Old Town for about 11 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 Salt Lake City, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
- The dating scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
John Cooper
100%
21 upvotes
Isaac Price
Moved here from Miami about 10 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to healthcare but Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Caroline Flores
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 55, moved here 7 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Uptown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
13 upvotes
Dylan C.
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.
8 upvotes
scarlett_rider
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The traffic is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
5 upvotes
charlotte_isla
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 Salt Lake City for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Fairview schools are better than expected. 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. Rising rent and home prices. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
