Not sure if this has been asked before, but What are your go-to spots?
25 upvotes
13 Replies
Thomas Garcia
I've lived in Highland for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- The weather scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
39 upvotes
Liam
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 32, moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The traffic situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for couples. excellent 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 Phoenix, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
38 upvotes
Jeremiah Clark
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Seattle about 7 years ago. The main reasons were weather and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Hudson Brooks
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much pricey but now it's solid.
35 upvotes
Ashley S.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
34 upvotes
Elena Davis
hmm interesting perspective
27 upvotes
Vivian Wilson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from San Francisco about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Leonardo Morgan
thanks for sharing
18 upvotes
Clara Gutierrez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
17 upvotes
Clara L.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Meadowbrook. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in tech. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Korean.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Quinn Flores
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
10 upvotes
Leonardo W.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
4 upvotes
Weston Brooks
Moved here from Boston about 6 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to housing market but Feel free to reach out with questions..