Rent is about $495/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Mikes sits at 605.3 per 100K. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Would love some local perspective. Thanks in advance! The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
14 upvotes
11 Replies
Evan Nguyen
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
40 upvotes
Emmett Adams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 13 years. Moved from San Diego for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. government 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is solid - we have state parks 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 solid. 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. Property taxes are high. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Lisa W.
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much wild but now it's challenging.
36 upvotes
Brielle Baker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Dallas about 13 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
Luna White
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
32 upvotes
Ella Martinez
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
30 upvotes
coastal_colton73
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 54, moved here 15 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Westside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Property taxes are high
3. The healthcare situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Chicago, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
29 upvotes
Ava S.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Midtown. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in education. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Camila Morris
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.
9 upvotes
Charlotte Flores
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
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