OK so I grew up here but left for a while. The median home value here is around $300,500, which seems about average. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Any advice would be great. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
2 upvotes
15 Replies
Aurora Morris
I've lived in Greenfield for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- The weather scene is average
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Austin M.
I've lived in West for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Diverse dining options
- The public transit scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Lucas Mendoza
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great craft beer places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
34 upvotes
Jeremiah Davis
couldn't agree more
30 upvotes
madeline_native
yeah no that's not right
28 upvotes
Logan Garcia
Moved here from Chicago about 8 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to community vibe but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Caleb S.
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
19 upvotes
Levi Phillips
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Uptown. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in finance. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
Benjamin Sanchez
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The housing market is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Emilia Nelson
couldn't agree more
16 upvotes
Emilia
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely excellent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Fairview) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene 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.
14 upvotes
Andrea R.
Moved here from Denver about 15 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to cost of living but Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Aiden
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
4 upvotes
Joshua Evans
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 14 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. real estate 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 better than expected - 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 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. Winters are long and cold. Nightlife is limited. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.