Hey folks, Been living here since 2019. Poverty rate is 5.3%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Lakeside sits at 604.3 per 100K. Average temperature is around 71--F, so it's warm year-round. Median household income is $80,686, which feels pretty solid for the area. The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which is about average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
13 upvotes
6 Replies
Sophie C.
I work in government here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is challenging. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Eli Hughes
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Asian places. it was the best decision I ever made.
31 upvotes
Christian Hernandez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Phoenix about 14 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
stlfan2021
big facts right here
24 upvotes
Ariana K.
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great seafood places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
21 upvotes
loving_jameson94
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 Raleigh for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
finance is strong here. finance 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is improving - we have beaches 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 excellent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited high-paying job options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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