Hey folks, I'm single, late 50s, and Poverty rate is 0.8%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
1 upvotes
15 Replies
Adeline Ross
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 1 years. Moved from Denver for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - we have state parks 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 hit or miss. 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 high-paying job options. Dating scene is rough. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Nevaeh Campbell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 14 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Patricia Y.
interesting, hadn't considered that
29 upvotes
Jose Cooper
spot on
29 upvotes
Stella H.
preach
25 upvotes
Weston Hughes
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
Michael Alvarez
noted, appreciate it
20 upvotes
Angel Alvarez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
15 upvotes
Clara Foster
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Greenfield. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Levi Anderson
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The housing market is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
11 upvotes
Aaron Reyes
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The job market is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
9 upvotes
Melanie C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
6 upvotes
Douglas R.
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
2 upvotes
Ian M.
I've lived in Oak Park 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 Pittsburgh, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- The weather scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
0 upvotes
Sofia Wilson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
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