Longtime lurker here, The median home value here is around $258,200, which seems about average. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. TIA! The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
20 upvotes
21 Replies
Mason B.
I'm a project manager and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Audrey Ross
seconding this
36 upvotes
Quinn Williams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 45, moved here 11 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Can feel isolated
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
35 upvotes
Easton Wilson
I'm a social worker and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
34 upvotes
Daniel Thompson
Can confirm, been here 9 years.
33 upvotes
Maverick
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
32 upvotes
Ezra
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 5 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Elijah
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
23 upvotes
Jacqueline J.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
Jayden Wood
glad someone said it
22 upvotes
Sebastian Roberts
great question, following
18 upvotes
Josiah Turner
great question, following
18 upvotes
Patricia T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 12 years. Moved from Phoenix for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have mountains 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 surprisingly 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. Rising rent and home prices. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Lydia Lewis
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Tampa it's solid.
13 upvotes
living_gabriella11
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
13 upvotes
Valentina
Saving this thread
11 upvotes
Henry R.
I work in consulting here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is underrated. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Theodore Hall
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The traffic is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Natalie
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
5 upvotes
dallas_wyatt
hard disagree but ok
5 upvotes
Madelyn Watson
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Maple Ridge area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
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