I'm a college student here and With a population of 2,996, Kalama is a small town. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
13 upvotes
11 Replies
Christopher C.
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
40 upvotes
eli_mama
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely challenging and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (The Heights) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation 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.
38 upvotes
Michael E.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The safety is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Wyatt C.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
33 upvotes
Nathan A.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to LA it's average.
29 upvotes
Serenity Stewart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 26, moved here 8 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Greenfield and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Boston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
24 upvotes
Lillian R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely underrated and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (North) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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
Mason Flores
I've lived in Highland for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
- The housing market scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Willow Watson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if community vibe matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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