Gardere vs Baltimore -which is better?

Leah Kim Sep 15, 2025

I've lived in Highland for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
- The housing market scene is excellent

The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement

Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..

20 upvotes

Savannah Hill Sep 25, 2025

OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:

Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Oak Park. It's surprisingly good for what you get.

Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in retail. If you're in marketing you might struggle.

People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.

Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.

Good luck with whatever you decide..

8 upvotes

Harper Walker Sep 15, 2025

Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.

I've been here 13 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is tough.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Give it a chance - it might surprise you..

5 upvotes