OK so The median home value here is around $212,100, which is actually reasonable. It's a a small town city with about 13,467 people. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
8 upvotes
5 Replies
Jonathan Cooper
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Cameron Collins
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
29 upvotes
Mateo T.
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 Pittsburgh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. retail 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have state parks 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Natalie Myers
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
5 upvotes
Isaiah M.
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.