Alright, I'm retired and You can expect to pay around $1,805 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Lacey sits at 202.6 per 100K. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Would love some local perspective. Appreciate any input. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
14 upvotes
10 Replies
Kennedy D.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Downtown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
31 upvotes
Anna Castillo
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
24 upvotes
Emma Howard
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 2 years. Moved from Miami for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
healthcare is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Fairview 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited entertainment options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Samantha R.
same here
17 upvotes
Thomas Roberts
great question, following
16 upvotes
Nora Jones
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
15 upvotes
Logan Campbell
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much wild but now it's tough.
12 upvotes
Jameson G.
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Adam
I work in consulting here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is challenging. Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
Hazel Jones
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 1 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into running, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..