Hey everyone, The median home value here is around $679,700, which is pretty steep. Rent is about $2,400/month for a decent place. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development.
4 upvotes
15 Replies
Aaliyah N.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 15 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Victoria
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 41, moved here 15 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in The Heights and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The healthcare situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Chicago, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K 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.
38 upvotes
Oliver Reed
as a local I can confirm
38 upvotes
Maria R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 13 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Hunter Brown
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Old Town) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
36 upvotes
Carson
Bought a house here in 2022 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
31 upvotes
Wyatt Flores
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
26 upvotes
Gianna Price
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone about the same since then.
23 upvotes
Autumn Sanchez
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
19 upvotes
Nicholas Martinez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 50, moved here 13 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Lakewood and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The food scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.
18 upvotes
Mason Martinez
I've lived in Fairview for about 7 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 Dallas, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- The job market scene is improving
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Alice Walker
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is tough in most areas.
5 upvotes
Jackson R.
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone about the same since then.
2 upvotes
Gabriella Collins
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
2 upvotes
Levi Harris
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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