Been meaning to ask this. Military spouse here. Household incomes average around $67,813 in Harvard. The median home value here is around $98,400, which is actually reasonable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Has anyone dealt with this? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
7 upvotes
6 Replies
Claire Campbell
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Jace W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 25, moved here 2 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Highland and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good schools in most areas
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. excellent 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 Dallas, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
25 upvotes
Eleanor Peterson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from Denver for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. legal 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - we have state parks 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 decent. 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. Winters are long and cold. Road conditions need improvement. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Emmett A.
nah I disagree
9 upvotes
Declan Hernandez
not my experience at all
6 upvotes
Robert Ward
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Denver about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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