Your thoughts on Fairview, TN please :)

[jadeonyx]

My husband and I are transferring to TN in October. Ive been trying to get bits of info from the posts. We can pretty much move anywhere, i want to move somewhere not too big as we come from a small town in Northern Indiana, Hubby was raised as a boy near Byrdstown. He says he is moving back near "home". Business will possibly lead us to the areas around huntsville, winona, fairview(for now), is that the same fairview you are talking about? If anyone that is familiar with those areas could give us some advice.

[leonard]

Originally Posted by jadeonyx

My husband and I are transferring to TN in October. Ive been trying to get bits of info from the posts. We can pretty much move anywhere, i want to move somewhere not too big as we come from a small town in Northern Indiana, Hubby was raised as a boy near Byrdstown. He says he is moving back near "home". Business will possibly lead us to the areas around huntsville, winona, fairview(for now), is that the same fairview you are talking about? If anyone that is familiar with those areas could give us some advice.

Try using Google Earth. It is a free down load and takes you via satellite right to most cities and lets you see what is close, etc. It is really neat and very helpful.

[downgrade]

Fairview, is going out of it's way to prevent any growth...The "locals likes it dis way"
Take a drive down Cox Pike or Lake Rd..it looks like a third world country. My heavens people, this is 2009, we have washers and dryers, microwave ovens, gas powered lawn mowers. Clean up that double wide!!!!!!!!!

[sumwunzma]

Fairview itself isn't very wealthy or educated, but that's changing. I would guess that 50% of the population wasn't born here. With all the new transplants, the town is gaining revenue, education, and experience that it never would have had even three years ago. Once 840 is finished (next year??? ) and this new shopping complex opens up, it's going to start booming. I came from city life too and that part has been an adjustment but there's a lot of good to living a slower pace, especially with the kids. Every now and then we run into some real ignorance but I don't think it comes from meanness. I think it's just that they've never been anywhere else, they don't know any better and they aren't well educated. It's changing though!!!!

[hey teach]

My son taught high school in Fairview while he was transitioning to begin his Ph.d. He found the school to be excellent and the students, parents, and other teachers and administrators easy to work with. He had been in other systems in more prosperous areas where this was not the case. When visiting we found Fairview to be a charming, rural, southern community. No, it is not the city, but not everyone wants the city. Fairview is also not "a dump"! All areas have parts that are somewhat less desirable than others. This does not equate labeling the entire community "a dump".
I would look at my desires as a homeowner and the needs of my family and decide if Fairview meets those needs and if some of my desires could become reality in this area.

As for the price of the house. I would have it appraised by a reputable appraiser. If you are planning to get a mortgage you will have to do this anyway. The appraiser will do comparables and you will know if the price is in line with others in the area. I would also consider looking at other houses for sales in the area. Take in a few open house tours.

Another good idea is to ride through the neighborhood several times at different times. Do this especially at night. Notice what goes on in the neighborhood. How many cars are parked on the street, if there are cars that appear to have been parked for awhile. Consider if there are children in the neighborhood. Do you want to llive in an area with lots of children or not.

Also, ask if there are covenants or restrictions on the property or if it is zoned strictly residential. You wouldn't want to purchase and 6 months later someone open a auto repair shop 2 doors up from you and lower your property value. Unfortunately, I have seen this happen to homeowners who were unprotected by restrictions in rural areas.

Most important, ask your self "how important is my friendship with the property owner?". Often buying anything from a friend turns into a disaster that may destroy your friendship. If this is a really good friend that you want to keep and this is a property you really want, keep the transaction in business form. Do not assume because he/she is your friend he/she will take care of a problem 6 months later. Make sure everything is on paper and legal.

Good luck.

[Mr.SmoothMove]

Fairview is in the process of putting up alot of shopping areas for all the new homes out there our customers love the area and Fairview is becoming a well known secret

[Pocketplayer]

I live in Fairview...no different than any other community. I have friends in Franklin, Brentwood, Antioch...all over.

People are people. Most folks know just a few neighbors around them. This is a hard working, blue collar community with an old school/new mix.

There are some "backward" areas no doubt, but if you don't like that area, move elsewhere. There are smaller little subdivisions that remind me of Main St at Disneyland. Talk about safe and cozy!

It is growing and a Publix and WalMart are "scheduled" to be built.

Now let's get straight about the "wealth" issue. Williamson County is THE place to invest in. No question about this. Fairview is at the end of the County. You want "Hick" go to the next County called, (no joke) Hickman Co. One traffic light. Again, I have NO problem with a double-wide...I have problems with character issues. When people are involved in dogfighting/birdfighting...I have a problem.

One suggestion if you are from a large city...do NOT try to impress people here..."I used to live on Los Angeles and knew movie stars..." It will backfire bigtime. Small town, word gets around, quick reputation.

Make a strong first impression...introduce yourself to your new neighbors. Be laid back.

Before buying...rent for six months and search out the city. It is all about networking. Good people will tell you where to sya away from, where all the s e x offenders might live (if any)...that kinda thing. Drive the neighborhood from 3-6pm when the kids get out of school. Are there dogs running loose? Drive by on a Sat night.

There is a lot of "kin" here...but because of all the new developments, people are changing. It is imo the best time to invest here because in five years it will be a different place and the property value will only grow.

The one lane road down the center of twon is a drag if you are not used to it. From 4-6pm you have to wait to break in to traffic. Just the way it is...you get smart...never drive when the kids get out of school and wait for the school bus or traffic cop waving cars.

My impression from Los Angeles...good place to live. It's ALL about attitude folks. You got a bad one, you will have troubles.

Rent before you own...scout location. Big Dog Realty is a good place to start here...Jon is a good guy.

[hey teach]

I read that Fairview High School has a JAG program. Does anyone have any input on this program?

[SpiritOfDragonfly]

Originally Posted by Steve_TN

Richest does not automatically denote 'best". Moderator cut: rude comments are not nessesary

Heck no!
I support you on that one.

I mean, how many people are out their "hiding" behind their gold and glory with their hollow souls, while some of the less "materially fortunate" are busy making lasting memories, and sharing what they have out of kindness & compassion?

"Home Sweet Home" really lives inside of you, in your heart, not on what you may wear or what you live in. Rich only gets you so far, and remember, you can take none of it with you when you leave.

[sumwunzma]

I find the people in Franklin to be mostly phony. They're trying so hard to fit into a lifestyle that they couldn't afford anywhere else. The cost of living is SO low here! Fairview is a small town and a very, very small percentage of the "natives" resent the new people coming in. On some days it is a pain to get Franklin but Bellevue has everything without the traffic. 840 should be open in the next couple of years and when it does open, it'll take you ten minutes to get to Springhill which has tons of restaurants, entertainment, etc. Publix is coming in, as are several restaurants and shops. Within five years, you won't recognize this city. You'll get a LOT of house for the money here, too! I can't speak for Westwood but Fairview Elementary is a GREAT school.