Hey everyone, Rent is about $986/month for a decent place. Thanks for reading. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Zoey G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 42, moved here 15 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Cedar Grove and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for families. better than expected 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 Houston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
32 upvotes
Ezra Howard
couldn't agree more
32 upvotes
Landon Smith
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
25 upvotes
Aaron
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 54, moved here 12 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Miami, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K 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.
21 upvotes
Hannah B.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Gabriella Mitchell
Came here for family and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The healthcare is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
16 upvotes
mountain_jonathan17
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 school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 better than expected. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited high-paying job options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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