I grew up here but left for a while. Poverty rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $579,400, which is pretty steep. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Thoughts?
6 upvotes
13 Replies
nola_ariana
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
37 upvotes
Michael Lee
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 27, moved here 12 years ago from Miami. I've lived in South and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Miami, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K 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.
37 upvotes
Ryan Brown
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
dallas_declan
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The dating scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Camila Morris
hmm interesting perspective
32 upvotes
Austin W.
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone about the same since then.
31 upvotes
Joshua Gonzalez
Bought a house here in 2018 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
28 upvotes
Ariana Bennett
I'm a HR manager and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
19 upvotes
Audrey Jimenez
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
9 upvotes
Kayla F.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Lakewood area are underrated. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
Carter 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 2 years. Moved from Tampa for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. engineering 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 tough - 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 average. 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. Nightlife is limited. Road conditions need improvement. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Joseph Edwards
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
3 upvotes
Jackson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
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