Been meaning to ask this. The median home value here is around $716,700, which is pretty steep. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
14 upvotes
17 Replies
Camila B.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely average and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (The Heights) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
40 upvotes
Lydia Roberts
I work in healthcare here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is decent. Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Joshua M.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Oak Park area are tough. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Dominic C.
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
30 upvotes
Bennett Allen
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
29 upvotes
Mia Cox
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to San Diego it's hit or miss.
27 upvotes
Piper C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 43, moved here 5 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Uptown and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cost of living situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Boston, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
23 upvotes
David Perez
haha yep pretty much
18 upvotes
Bruce P.
Bought a house here in 2021 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
13 upvotes
Ian H.
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
11 upvotes
Katherine
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
8 upvotes
Waylon Davis
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Oak Park area are tough. Kids love it here.
6 upvotes
Douglas B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 7 years. Moved from Charlotte for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - we have biking 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 average. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Chain restaurants dominate. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Lori L.
Totally agree!
3 upvotes
Jace Scott
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 53, moved here 2 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Downtown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cultural scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Nashville, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K 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.
2 upvotes
Michael Thompson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to San Francisco it's surprisingly good.
1 upvotes
Miles Jackson
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
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