So, Rent is about $3,000/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 0.4%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Sandia Heights sits at 947.7 per 100K. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Thoughts? The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to.
8 upvotes
15 Replies
Violet Nelson
as a local I can confirm
40 upvotes
Isaiah Price
Moved here last year, no regrets.
38 upvotes
Cora Murphy
underrated comment
37 upvotes
Hailey Peterson
seconding this
35 upvotes
Kennedy Roberts
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 7 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Sarah Morris
I've lived in Westside for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good airport with direct flights
- The walkability scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Harper Mendoza
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 1 years. Moved from Miami for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have biking trails 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 underrated. 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. Property taxes are high. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Isabelle K.
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much competitive but now it's excellent.
17 upvotes
Bennett Lopez
this is the way
17 upvotes
Ryan W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely improving and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (North) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, 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.
15 upvotes
Weston James
Bought a house here in 2022 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone about the same since then.
6 upvotes
Melanie C.
great question, following
4 upvotes
Stella Thompson
thanks for sharing
3 upvotes
Amelia Chavez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 5 years. Moved from Austin for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have lakes 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 underrated. 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 public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.