Anyone else feel this way? It's a a small town city with about 1,576 people. Rent is about $916/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $265,300 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What do you all think? The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
12 upvotes
8 Replies
Kinsley Torres
bump
38 upvotes
Denise R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
21 upvotes
Ella Phillips
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The cultural scene is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
logan_rider
I've lived in Highland for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The outdoor recreation scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Jameson Jones
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
5 upvotes
Victoria Moore
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 41, moved here 3 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Highland and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
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