Hello, I'm originally from Chicago and Rent is about $909/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is about average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What would you do? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development.
6 upvotes
9 Replies
Robert Diaz
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
33 upvotes
Delilah B.
couldn't agree more
25 upvotes
Reagan Lopez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 13 years. Moved from Chicago for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2015 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is decent - we have ski resorts 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 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Axel Roberts
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely pretty good and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Old Town) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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
Luna Peterson
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
16 upvotes
Eleanor Hernandez
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
13 upvotes
Brielle Perez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 4 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Sophia M.
Saving this thread
9 upvotes
Kayden H.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in West area are solid. Kids love it here.
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