I'm retired and Homes are going for about $1,123,000 on average. Median household income is $140,605, which feels pretty solid for the area. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Anyone in a similar situation? TIA! The suburbs are where most families end up.
26 upvotes
15 Replies
bostonlocal2024
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
40 upvotes
cool_katherine65
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
39 upvotes
charlotte_isla
I've lived in Highland for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
- The dating scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Silas Morris
bump
32 upvotes
Oliver G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 13 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Robert Alvarez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Greenfield. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
Thomas Morales
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
24 upvotes
houstonkid2026
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Highland) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market 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.
24 upvotes
Owen White
not my experience at all
19 upvotes
nycguy2026
honestly same experience here
17 upvotes
Amelia Ruiz
spot on
15 upvotes
Zoe Collins
following this thread
10 upvotes
Ella Richardson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
6 upvotes
Kennedy James
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 7 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.