Hi all, I relocated for work and The food scene here is surprisingly good. What neighborhoods would you suggest? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
0 upvotes
13 Replies
Carson
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. cost of living used to be much established but now it's better than expected.
38 upvotes
Levi Walker
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Korean places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
38 upvotes
Quinn Morales
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 36, moved here 3 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in West and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for remote workers. 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 Phoenix, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
33 upvotes
Eliana L.
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
32 upvotes
Valentina Martin
bump
17 upvotes
Stephen H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 14 years. Moved from Phoenix for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
marketing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is solid - we have desert landscapes 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 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Homeless population growing downtown. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Scarlett A.
This.
15 upvotes
loving_hudson31
Moved here from Dallas about 9 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to nightlife but Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Wesley Y.
haha yep pretty much
5 upvotes
Lydia Ortiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 48, moved here 14 years ago from New York. I've lived in Highland and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The safety situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 New York, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K 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.
4 upvotes
Lucas King
Totally agree!
2 upvotes
Nathan M.
I work in marketing here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is underrated. No regrets on my end..
1 upvotes
Mason Kim
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..