Homes are going for about $295,800 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Town 'n' Country sits at 108.4 per 100K. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. TIA! People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
18 upvotes
26 Replies
Jack Gonzalez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 2 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. healthcare 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 decent - 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 improving. 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. Property taxes are high. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Henry Price
I've lived in Eastside for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cultural scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Vivian
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 5 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Alexa Martin
good to know, thanks
37 upvotes
Carson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely improving and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Limited shopping 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.
35 upvotes
Julian Lewis
bump
28 upvotes
Brooks M.
Moved here from LA about 4 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to cultural scene but Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Kennedy Watson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in North. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in real estate. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Evelyn
bump
23 upvotes
Waylon H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely improving and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit 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.
22 upvotes
Peyton Perez
not my experience at all
21 upvotes
Claire Kelly
I'm a nurse and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is average and there's always something going on.
19 upvotes
Sophia Flores
not my experience at all
18 upvotes
Weston Martin
interesting, hadn't considered that
18 upvotes
Clara Nelson
Moved here from Dallas about 10 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to healthcare but Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
Diane T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 15 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Kinsley G.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Oak Park area are solid. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
Matthew H.
This.
14 upvotes
Hailey Gomez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 34, moved here 15 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Sunset and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. challenging 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 Miami, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
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