Hello, The median home value here is around $399,500, which seems about average. It's a a small town city with about 24,071 people. Homes are going for about $399,500 on average. Rent is about $1,567/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 7.8%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
0 upvotes
9 Replies
Delilah Kelly
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 8 years. Moved from Boston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2016 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Downtown schools are pretty 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. Rising rent and home prices. Far from beaches/mountains. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Adeline S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 6 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Easton
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Pittsburgh 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 South. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Avery Gomez
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
Kaylee Collins
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Maple Ridge. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Lily Edwards
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
9 upvotes
Genesis Cook
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis 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 Midtown. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Indian.
No regrets on my end..
5 upvotes
Andrew P.
Saving this thread
1 upvotes
Riley Perez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 3 years. Moved from LA for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same 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. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 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. Limited shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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