Curious what people think. I'm retired and Median household income is $50,564, which feels on the lower side for the area. The median home value here is around $213,100, which is actually reasonable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
20 upvotes
26 Replies
Cameron Green
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 6 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's affordable 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 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.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Delilah Brooks
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 8 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
mesalocal2020
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
37 upvotes
Ruby
it depends on the neighborhood
35 upvotes
Emmett
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Miles Watson
Bought a house here in 2021 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
34 upvotes
Audrey R.
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
33 upvotes
emma_native
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Seattle about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is excellent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Ella Castillo
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
- The cultural scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Valentina C.
Moved here from Portland about 11 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to safety but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Hannah Brooks
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 14 years. Moved from Atlanta for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
healthcare is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 underrated. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Julia
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The nightlife is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Mateo Morales
nah I disagree
19 upvotes
Jace Brown
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely pretty good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Riverside) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Bugs and humidity in summer.
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.
18 upvotes
avery_local
it depends on the neighborhood
18 upvotes
Peyton Foster
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The weather is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
portland_joseph
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
17 upvotes
Adeline Ortiz
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
Adrian Ward
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
14 upvotes
Roy N.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely challenging and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (The Heights) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
12 upvotes
Carson S.
hmm interesting perspective
12 upvotes
David M.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to LA it's excellent.
10 upvotes
Hazel B.
not my experience at all
8 upvotes
Everly Chavez
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
8 upvotes
Reagan W.
I'm a contractor and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
3 upvotes
Adam
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The nightlife is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
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