Not sure if this has been asked before, but Median household income is $48,965, which feels on the lower side for the area. Rent is about $1,031/month for a decent place. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
29 upvotes
26 Replies
Nolan
I've lived in Fairview for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- The dating scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
tampa_christian
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 10 years. Moved from Charlotte for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is decent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Luke Martinez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 42, moved here 14 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in The Heights and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The walkability situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$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.
37 upvotes
Aaron T.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
36 upvotes
Easton Hernandez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in West. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Hope this helps!.
34 upvotes
Reagan Johnson
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The public transit is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
33 upvotes
Donna N.
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Springfield area are average. Kids love it here.
32 upvotes
Ava Perez
literally same
30 upvotes
Evan
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
30 upvotes
Jordan H.
Totally agree!
30 upvotes
Xavier R.
yeah no that's not right
27 upvotes
Parker Mendoza
seconding this
27 upvotes
Melanie Murphy
wish I knew this sooner
26 upvotes
William
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is excellent in most areas.
26 upvotes
oakland_luke
thanks for sharing
25 upvotes
Nova Lewis
I've lived in West for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- The public transit scene is improving
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
22 upvotes
Harper
noted, appreciate it
19 upvotes
dallas_madelyn
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 8 years. Moved from Portland for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Road conditions need improvement. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Cora Alvarez
I work in real estate here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is challenging. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
Vivian Smith
Saving this thread
14 upvotes
Dominic Lopez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely average and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (East) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
9 upvotes
Anna Mitchell
spot on
8 upvotes
Piper Jackson
I work in manufacturing here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is pretty good. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Hannah
Bought a house here in 2022 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
1 upvotes
Ezra Kelly
Bought a house here in 2022 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
0 upvotes
clara_papa
Moved here from Denver about 15 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to healthcare but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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