Curious what people think. Average temperature is around 71--F, so it's warm year-round. Rent is about $1,230/month for a decent place. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What do you all think? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
18 upvotes
8 Replies
Ian Wright
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 5 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Piper H.
Bought a house here in 2018 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone about the same since then.
31 upvotes
Liam Foster
thanks for sharing
20 upvotes
Barbara G.
seconding this
18 upvotes
bostonmama2026
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 57, moved here 10 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Eastside and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The community vibe situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K 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.
16 upvotes
Angel G.
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Korean places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
16 upvotes
Savannah R.
I work in healthcare here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is excellent. Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
dallaswalker2026
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 Chicago for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**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 established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have mountains 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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