I grew up here but left for a while. Anyone in a similar situation? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
20 upvotes
16 Replies
Tyler W.
honestly same experience here
38 upvotes
Brooklyn Peterson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 5 years. Moved from Boston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is average - we have rivers 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Bugs and humidity in summer. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Michael E.
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
Weston
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 8 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Samuel F.
bump
30 upvotes
native_delilah39
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Miami it's average.
29 upvotes
Sarah Perez
it depends on the neighborhood
28 upvotes
Levi Cruz
honestly same experience here
26 upvotes
Theodore Gray
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
John Harris
glad someone said it
23 upvotes
Nevaeh R.
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
22 upvotes
Joseph
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Amelia Jimenez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in West. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in marketing. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.