Alright, I'm single, late 50s, and Median household income is $61,422, which feels about average for the area. Rent is about $954/month for a decent place. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
1 upvotes
10 Replies
Genesis Cruz
I've lived in Fairview for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- The food scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Angel
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely underrated and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
39 upvotes
Heather P.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
38 upvotes
Walter M.
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
34 upvotes
Everett M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 29, moved here 5 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Riverside and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Portland, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
29 upvotes
Leo Ward
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 Baltimore for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have ski resorts 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 solid. 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 cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Vivian Turner
Came here for work and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The pet-friendliness is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
18 upvotes
Everly B.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
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