Hi all, I'm a 31-year-old software engineer and Median household income is $55,455, which feels about average for the area. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Anyone in a similar situation? Thanks in advance!
14 upvotes
7 Replies
tucson_sarah
I've lived in Fairview for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The pet-friendliness scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
Victoria Bailey
Came here for retirement and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The pet-friendliness is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
Noah F.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 48, moved here 9 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Riverside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Denver, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
18 upvotes
Skylar R.
big facts right here
12 upvotes
Addison Turner
it depends on the neighborhood
11 upvotes
Peyton Young
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is improving in most areas.
5 upvotes
Madeline M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 4 years. Moved from Houston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Bugs and humidity in summer. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
