Been meaning to ask this. I'm a college student here and Crime rate is something to consider -Fordoche sits at 832.0 per 100K. Median household income is $62,788, which feels about average for the area. Rent is about $677/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 4.6%, which is about average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
0 upvotes
5 Replies
miami_emma
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 4 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Evan Cox
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in North. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Definitely worth checking out..
31 upvotes
Everly Sanders
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 4 years. Moved from Dallas for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2020 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty 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 pretty 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. Limited public transit options. Urban sprawl is real. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Hailey Castillo
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 13 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
2 upvotes
Emma White
Moved here from Austin about 7 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to weather but Good luck with whatever you decide..