The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which is about average. Rent is about $1,644/month for a decent place. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. 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. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up.
7 upvotes
11 Replies
Roman Jones
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Minneapolis it's excellent.
38 upvotes
Charlotte Mendoza
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 5 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
madeline_life
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 52, moved here 15 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in West and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Baltimore, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
28 upvotes
Isaiah Cooper
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Aria A.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Denver about 9 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is excellent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Easton T.
preach
19 upvotes
Isabella Murphy
facts
18 upvotes
Silas Ramos
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Bennett Foster
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 4 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
education is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Hannah Phillips
noted, appreciate it
11 upvotes
Aria C.
I've lived in Eastside for about 10 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 Austin, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- The dating scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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