Hey folks, I'm retired and Average temperature is around 57--F, so the weather is moderate. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Does this match your experience? Looking forward to hearing from you all. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up.
5 upvotes
7 Replies
Leo Kelly
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The community vibe is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
chill_eli72
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 37, moved here 5 years ago from New York. I've lived in Pine Hills and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 New York, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
35 upvotes
Silas G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Uptown) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
13 upvotes
Daniel Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 3 years. Moved from Houston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. real estate 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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 decent. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Emilia Wright
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Raleigh it's solid.
3 upvotes
Rylee Watson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from LA about 4 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
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