Rent is about $957/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 45--F, so expect cold winters. It's a a small town city with about 16,704 people. Household incomes average around $47,489 in Waterville. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. Am I wrong here? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
2 upvotes
12 Replies
Mary W.
Came here for family and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The healthcare is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
40 upvotes
Aubrey C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from LA about 7 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
Ezekiel Gonzalez
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
Adeline
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 40, moved here 15 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Maple Ridge and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.
30 upvotes
Evan Clark
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 35, moved here 3 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Eastside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited shopping options
3. The traffic situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Raleigh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
30 upvotes
Robert R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
Brielle Hill
Saving this thread
28 upvotes
Clara Ramirez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 6 years. Moved from San Francisco for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2016 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have mountains 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Claire Anderson
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Ariana Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 50, moved here 5 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Greenfield and Riverside, 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. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The cultural scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Nashville, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
7 upvotes
Greyson W.
I work in government here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is average. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
4 upvotes
Gabriella Rodriguez
I'm a contractor and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
All Countries
