Anyone else feel this way? We're a young couple and With a population of 31,548, Lakeside is a smaller city. Household incomes average around $80,686 in Lakeside. The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which is about average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Thanks! Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
1 upvotes
10 Replies
Chloe Smith
Moved here last year, no regrets.
37 upvotes
Alexa
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 9 years. Moved from Phoenix for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have lakes 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 better than expected. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Jayden Sanchez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
31 upvotes
Angel R.
I work in real estate here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Christian Jackson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely better than expected and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Limited entertainment 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.
22 upvotes
Serenity James
yeah no that's not right
20 upvotes
Isabelle T.
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Mediterranean places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
20 upvotes
atl_john
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 13 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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