Hey folks, Crime rate is something to consider -Baytown sits at 418.2 per 100K. Average temperature is around 71--F, so it's warm year-round. The unemployment rate is 5.8%, which is about average. Poverty rate is 15.1%, which is higher than I expected. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Worth the trade-offs? The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
6 upvotes
22 Replies
Ezekiel Gonzalez
been saying this for years
36 upvotes
Melanie
I work in retail here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is better than expected. Good luck with whatever you decide..
35 upvotes
Julian Patel
nah I disagree
31 upvotes
Kaylee Cruz
not my experience at all
29 upvotes
Thomas Sanders
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 4 years. Moved from Minneapolis for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland 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. Property taxes are high. Limited shopping options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Grayson Wilson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 29, moved here 3 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Greenfield and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Chicago, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
28 upvotes
Matthew Brown
following this thread
27 upvotes
Maya Morris
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much developing but now it's decent.
26 upvotes
sf_nicholas
I work in engineering here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is tough. No regrets on my end..
25 upvotes
Parker C.
Moved here from Austin about 14 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to weather but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Aria C.
Bought a house here in 2019 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
22 upvotes
lasoul2022
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
20 upvotes
Benjamin C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 4 years. Moved from Austin for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. 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 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. finance 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. North schools are challenging. 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. Limited public transit options. Road conditions need improvement. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
wyatt_living
lol so true
19 upvotes
Claire
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 7 years. Moved from Baltimore for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Maple Ridge schools are improving. 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. Limited public transit options. Not very walkable outside downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Ruby Hughes
Moved here from Tampa about 1 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to dating scene but Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Julia Stewart
bump
17 upvotes
Judith T.
facts
16 upvotes
Hunter Cook
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
Nolan Peterson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is decent in most areas.
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