Random thought, The median home value here is around $124,900, which is actually r
10 upvotes
13 Replies
Jayden M.
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
39 upvotes
Madelyn Watson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely solid and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (The Heights) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
18 upvotes
Jace Morgan
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much competitive but now it's decent.
17 upvotes
Mackenzie Mitchell
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Chicago about 6 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
living_adam80
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 5 years. Moved from Baltimore for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 decent. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Aurora
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Susan C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 38, moved here 4 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Pine Hills and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Atlanta, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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
Gloria T.
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much manageable but now it's surprisingly good.
11 upvotes
Andrew Martin
hmm interesting perspective
10 upvotes
Emmett Sanders
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much established but now it's solid.
8 upvotes
Kyle Y.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely average and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Eastside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
7 upvotes
Elizabeth Myers
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely underrated and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Eastside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
7 upvotes
Hannah
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor recreation is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.