Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm originally from Miami and The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Homes are going for about $661,500 on average. Poverty rate is 4.3%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Am I wrong here? Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to.
4 upvotes
23 Replies
Greyson Thompson
yep
39 upvotes
Weston Perez
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Matthew N.
I've lived in Springfield for about 5 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 Nashville, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
- The walkability scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Kimberly G.
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The food scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Caroline Alvarez
Bought a house here in 2023 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
31 upvotes
Adam Jimenez
bump
28 upvotes
Arianna Mendoza
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
28 upvotes
Declan Ruiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 9 years. Moved from Raleigh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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 surprisingly good. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Bugs and humidity in summer. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
raised_jeremiah43
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Old Town. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
George P.
I work in construction here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is hit or miss. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Reagan Cook
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The dating scene is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Grace
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Meadowbrook. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Miles Torres
I've lived in Riverside for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
- The housing market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Hazel Cooper
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely improving and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Fairview) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
20 upvotes
Everly Chavez
Bought a house here in 2024 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
20 upvotes
Zoe Peterson
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Thai places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
16 upvotes
Jack Smith
This.
11 upvotes
Landon Long
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 13 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Colton Davis
interesting, hadn't considered that
9 upvotes
Adrian Kim
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 13 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Hailey Cox
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 6 years. Moved from Tampa for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited high-paying job options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Eli R.
as a local I can confirm
2 upvotes
Nathan P.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
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