Been meaning to ask this. I grew up here but left for a while. It's a a smaller city city with about 47,740 people. The unemployment rate is 4.3%, which is about average. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
8 upvotes
11 Replies
William Chavez
I work in real estate here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is improving. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Jayden
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 San Francisco for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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. hospitality 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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 tough. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Limited entertainment options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Audrey W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely average and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Uptown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. job market 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.
23 upvotes
Harper Collins
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 13 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Brooks T.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
18 upvotes
Alexa Bailey
big facts right here
15 upvotes
Joshua Alvarez
literally same
11 upvotes
Dylan Torres
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 2 years. Moved from Phoenix for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2024 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Pine Hills schools are pretty good. 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. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Jeremiah Collins
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The walkability is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Jonathan Murphy
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 7 years. Moved from Boston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited shopping options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Mia Wilson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 11 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.