Curious what people think. I'm single, late 20s, and Average temperature is around 53°F, so expect cold winters. The median home value here is around $252,400, which seems about average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Has anyone dealt with this?
57 upvotes
21 Replies
Xavier H.
yep
40 upvotes
Audrey
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 53, moved here 15 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
39 upvotes
Ruby Peterson
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
26 upvotes
Gabriella Campbell
Came here for retirement and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The public transit is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
Charlotte Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from Boston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2023 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 solid. 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 entertainment options. Far from beaches/mountains. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Parker Long
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Wesley L.
accurate
18 upvotes
Avery Jones
lol so true
18 upvotes
Lily Miller
I work in healthcare here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is improving. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
Angel Ramirez
I've lived in South for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- The nightlife scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
sf_wesley
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 13 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Bennett M.
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
11 upvotes
Brooklyn Young
glad someone said it
9 upvotes
Genesis G.
Bought a house here in 2018 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
9 upvotes
Addison Foster
Moved here from Houston about 8 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
Madeline Young
I've lived in South for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
- The safety scene is solid
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
Parker Brooks
literally same
3 upvotes
Kennedy R.
Moved here from Miami about 1 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to healthcare but No regrets on my end..
2 upvotes
Liam
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The cultural scene is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
1 upvotes
Mason Lopez
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Maple Ridge area are challenging. Kids love it here.
0 upvotes
Cooper Price
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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