I'm a college student here and Poverty rate is 9.2%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $78,215 in San Pablo. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
17 upvotes
14 Replies
mountain_lillian19
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
39 upvotes
Victoria M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Downtown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
39 upvotes
Connor Baker
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
39 upvotes
Natalie Rodriguez
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
35 upvotes
Connor Kelly
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 Minneapolis for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. healthcare 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 not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - 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 surprisingly 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Road conditions need improvement. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Luke Turner
not my experience at all
25 upvotes
Theodore Wright
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.
23 upvotes
Valentina Stewart
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Adeline Jones
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Luke Watson
I work in government here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is decent. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
9 upvotes
Natalie D.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 42, moved here 12 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Lakewood and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 San Diego, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K 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.
8 upvotes
Kai Mendoza
lol so true
6 upvotes
omaha_delilah
as a local I can confirm
1 upvotes
Grace Long
I'm a writer and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
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