Sign In Register
Maverick Ramirez housing

Cost of living reality check -Spencer

First post here. I'm originally from Orlando and It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
13 upvotes

8 Replies

Hannah Y.
thanks for sharing
36 upvotes
Mateo Kim
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.

I've been here 11 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is challenging.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Deborah J.
following this thread
29 upvotes
Isaac Alvarez
Came here for school and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The school system is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
14 upvotes
Matthew Myers
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
9 upvotes
Carson Garcia
I've lived in Fairview for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The weather scene is challenging

The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Can feel isolated

Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
4 upvotes
Carl L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Sunset for 10 years. Moved from Boston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
construction is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have national forests 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 solid. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
happy_david33
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value job market, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely improving and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (North) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.

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.
0 upvotes
← Back to Spencer Community