So, The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 7.8%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Any advice would be great. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
28 upvotes
8 Replies
Sadie Evans
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 31, moved here 1 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Old Town and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited shopping options
3. The traffic situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 San Diego, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
40 upvotes
Wesley Ramirez
thanks for sharing
38 upvotes
native_serenity47
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
Jayden Roberts
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Chicago about 12 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Evan F.
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
26 upvotes
Alexander Roberts
accurate
21 upvotes
Jace Mendoza
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 39, moved here 15 years ago from Denver. I've lived in South and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. underrated 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 Denver, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
17 upvotes
John Harris
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 LA for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have mountains 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 improving. 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. Dating scene is rough. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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