My partner and I are With a population of 20,678, Forest Lake is a small town. The suburbs are where most families end up. What are your go-to spots? Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
9 upvotes
5 Replies
Ella Reed
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 12 years. Moved from Raleigh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same 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. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Eastside schools are better than expected. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Urban sprawl is real. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
dallasfan2023
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 15 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
Gary H.
Came here for school and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The community vibe is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
12 upvotes
Aubrey Allen
I've lived in Highland for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- The safety scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
All Countries
