Hey folks, We have two kids and Rent is about $2,099/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $2,099 for rent here. The median home value here is around $684,500, which is pretty steep. Homes are going for about $684,500 on average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Plenty of shopping options
- Active local events
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Limited dining options
- Homelessness issues downtown
Any advice would be great. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
10 upvotes
13 Replies
Reagan D.
wish I knew this sooner
40 upvotes
Axel J.
I've lived in Fairview for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- The nightlife scene is tough
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Zoey G.
facts
30 upvotes
Gabriella Morris
following this thread
28 upvotes
Aiden Long
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Springfield. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in real estate. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Definitely worth checking out..
27 upvotes
Sophia Hughes
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Highland area are tough. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Jeremiah B.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Seattle it's decent.
24 upvotes
Abigail M.
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
22 upvotes
Caroline Cox
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
22 upvotes
Silas J.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
16 upvotes
Caroline A.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to San Francisco it's decent.
5 upvotes
Elena M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 39, moved here 3 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Westside and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Nashville, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K 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.
4 upvotes
living_eleanor17
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely excellent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (South) is established 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 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.
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