Hey folks, Let me know your thoughts. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
0 upvotes
8 Replies
Natalie T.
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in East area are improving. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Savannah H.
underrated comment
34 upvotes
Wesley Robinson
Bought a house here in 2023 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
27 upvotes
Sophia Parker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Boston about 14 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Michael
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 Seattle for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2024 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. real estate 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 underrated - 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 underrated. 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. Nightlife is limited. Dating scene is rough. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Aaliyah M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 14 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Wesley Foster
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
11 upvotes
Quinn R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.