Longtime lurker here, I've been here for 7 years and It's a a small town city with about 15,754 people. Rent is about $1,747/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $781,700, which is pretty steep. Median household income is $93,958, which feels pretty solid for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
2 upvotes
14 Replies
Matthew Nelson
great question, following
37 upvotes
Camila M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 10 years. Moved from Raleigh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have ski resorts 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. Property taxes are high. Limited entertainment options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Josiah Gutierrez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Downtown. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Emily
same here
30 upvotes
Grayson Rodriguez
Came here for family and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The pet-friendliness is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
27 upvotes
Hunter Garcia
yeah no that's not right
22 upvotes
Jeremiah Walker
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The cultural scene is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Carter K.
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
13 upvotes
Sarah R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 9 years. Moved from San Francisco for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
engineering is strong here. legal 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Greenfield schools are challenging. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Natalie H.
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
Brooks Kelly
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
8 upvotes
Lydia
honestly same experience here
7 upvotes
Brielle H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 2 years. Moved from Austin for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. consulting 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is tough - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Urban sprawl is real. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Allison Lee
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely tough and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Uptown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
All Countries
