Hi all, With a population of 27,643, West Melbourne is a smaller city. Average temperature is around 73--F, so it's warm year-round. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Any advice would be great.
23 upvotes
3 Replies
Genesis King
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely decent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (East) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
12 upvotes
Christian Allen
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
Jeffrey R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 3 years. Moved from Minneapolis for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
retail is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have rivers 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 hit or miss. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And dating scene 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.
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