Hey, I relocated for work and Crime rate is something to consider -Liberal sits at 380.0 per 100K. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Am I wrong here? The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
2 upvotes
14 Replies
Peyton Wilson
I've lived in East for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- The outdoor recreation scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Eli Kim
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 36, moved here 11 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Highland and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Phoenix, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
36 upvotes
Piper T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 8 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
Claire Morris
Moved here from Denver about 9 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to school system but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Debra M.
spot on
27 upvotes
Kayden Torres
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
24 upvotes
milwaukeeguy2025
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from San Diego about 1 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
19 upvotes
Carol O.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
17 upvotes
Nolan Murphy
it depends on the neighborhood
17 upvotes
Nevaeh Richardson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
17 upvotes
John Thompson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Definitely worth checking out..
14 upvotes
Luke Edwards
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 6 years. Moved from LA for retirement. 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 up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have desert landscapes 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 surprisingly good. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited shopping options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Leo Morris
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
5 upvotes
dcvibes2023
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 35, moved here 2 years ago from LA. I've lived in Oak Park and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. underrated 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 LA, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
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