Hi all, I'm a college student here and It's a a small town city with about 11,199 people. Median household income is $220,238, which feels pretty solid for the area. Homes are going for about $777,700 on average. Household incomes average around $220,238 in Lowes Island. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cheers. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Daniel Phillips
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
38 upvotes
Mia R.
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Aurora D.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 53, moved here 11 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Eastside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The walkability situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Miami, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
31 upvotes
stl_angel
Came here for school and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The pet-friendliness is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
27 upvotes
Mason Phillips
Can confirm, been here 5 years.
26 upvotes
Angela M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 47, moved here 13 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Greenfield and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The safety situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Boston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
13 upvotes
Christian S.
accurate
12 upvotes
Gabriel W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Seattle about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is average.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
hunter_walker
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 San Diego for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. 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 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Rising rent and home prices. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Ellie Jackson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 11 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
9 upvotes
Madeline Morris
this is the way
7 upvotes
Leonardo C.
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Asian places. the quality of life is solid.
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