Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm originally from Phoenix and Average temperature is around 57--F, so the weather is moderate. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Thoughts?
15 upvotes
19 Replies
Leo Ross
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Boston about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Brooklyn Johnson
Totally agree!
39 upvotes
Austin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 32, moved here 9 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in East and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The nightlife situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
39 upvotes
Savannah Adams
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
38 upvotes
Adrian Myers
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much growing but now it's underrated.
34 upvotes
Mateo White
yep
31 upvotes
Cameron Baker
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
30 upvotes
detroitsoul2020
good to know, thanks
27 upvotes
Evan
glad someone said it
24 upvotes
Greyson Patel
great question, following
24 upvotes
oakland_jose
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 11 years. Moved from San Diego for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. hospitality 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 surprisingly good. 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. Property taxes are high. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Nova O.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 8 years. Moved from Charlotte for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
manufacturing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. South schools are tough. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Valentina R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
Roger W.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
17 upvotes
Gianna
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 8 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into running, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Julia
+1
13 upvotes
Katherine G.
Moved here from Tampa about 8 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Jacob
literally same
4 upvotes
Aurora C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Maple Ridge. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Korean.
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