My partner and I are Household incomes average around $106,620 in Hacienda Heights. You can expect to pay around $2,247 for rent here. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
12 upvotes
18 Replies
stl_christian
Totally agree!
40 upvotes
Isaac Gutierrez
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much stable but now it's decent.
40 upvotes
Abigail L.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely pretty good and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife 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.
40 upvotes
Lydia W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 43, moved here 4 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Westside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Seattle, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
31 upvotes
Sara M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely decent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (South) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
31 upvotes
coastal_melanie93
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 2 years. Moved from Baltimore for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Maple Ridge schools are improving. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Aurora King
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The food scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
greyson_guy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Atlanta about 9 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
William Nelson
lol so true
20 upvotes
Declan R.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
17 upvotes
Leonardo Gutierrez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely excellent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (The Heights) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
16 upvotes
Bennett Turner
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 3 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Dylan Torres
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
11 upvotes
bostonvibes2021
accurate
7 upvotes
Luca
Moved here from Austin about 2 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to cultural scene but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
6 upvotes
Eliana Gray
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The food scene is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
6 upvotes
John Clark
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 5 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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