Not sure if this has been asked before, but Poverty rate is 1.2%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $137,206, which feels pretty solid for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What do you all think? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up.
6 upvotes
15 Replies
oakland_jose
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
39 upvotes
Wesley K.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much affordable but now it's hit or miss.
35 upvotes
Hannah Allen
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
Ian Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 24, moved here 15 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Midtown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 San Diego, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K 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.
30 upvotes
Connor Richardson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
29 upvotes
Benjamin Alvarez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is average in most areas.
24 upvotes
columbus_eleanor
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely tough and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (North) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
22 upvotes
Michael C.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
16 upvotes
Luca Moore
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 5 years. Moved from Minneapolis for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are excellent. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Wyatt Martin
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 14 years. Moved from Minneapolis for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Highland 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Winters are long and cold. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Everly R.
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
dallasguy2020
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
7 upvotes
Arianna Moore
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The public transit scene is average
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
5 upvotes
nyc_declan
following this thread
2 upvotes
Daniel Ross
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 2 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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