Anyone else feel this way? I'm single, late 50s, and Rent is about $1,634/month for a decent place. Median household income is $120,919, which feels pretty solid for the area. The city has invested a lot in new development. What would you do? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
13 upvotes
14 Replies
Declan Watson
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The traffic is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Silas Green
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 12 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - we have national forests 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 improving. 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. Rising rent and home prices. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Michael
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 25, moved here 14 years ago from Houston. I've lived in East and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Property taxes are high
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Houston, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
33 upvotes
proud_jace35
it depends on the neighborhood
30 upvotes
Claire King
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
Everett R.
nah I disagree
28 upvotes
Eliana Morgan
haha yep pretty much
25 upvotes
Grace Ramos
Moved here last year, no regrets.
20 upvotes
Harold M.
I've lived in Downtown for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
- The nightlife scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Isla Harris
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
17 upvotes
Kinsley W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 7 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Caroline Williams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 1 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
8 upvotes
jaxlife2026
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Mexican places. the quality of life is solid.
5 upvotes
John Y.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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