Hello, I'm originally from Cleveland and It's a a small town city with about 6,047 people. Rent is about $927/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 5.6%, which is about average. Crime rate is something to consider -Gardiner sits at 70.9 per 100K. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
13 upvotes
6 Replies
Audrey Martin
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Austin about 11 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Riley
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 9 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
Timothy E.
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
20 upvotes
Caleb Moore
Moved here from Dallas about 9 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to nightlife but Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Luke Clark
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 3 years. Moved from New York for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes 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 excellent. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Urban sprawl is real. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Piper Gomez
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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