Hey everyone, The median home value here is around $607,500, which is pretty steep. Household incomes average around $95,298 in Malden. Homes are going for about $607,500 on average. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
23 upvotes
16 Replies
Isabella G.
bump
39 upvotes
Cora Edwards
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Fairview area are challenging. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
Brian T.
+1
35 upvotes
austin_ellie
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
25 upvotes
Cora Rivera
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 26, moved here 14 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Springfield and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Portland, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
19 upvotes
Luna Garcia
as a local I can confirm
19 upvotes
Aubrey Long
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 8 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have national forests 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 tough. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited entertainment options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Alice K.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
Lydia Young
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 44, moved here 9 years ago from LA. I've lived in Westside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Can feel isolated
3. The cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 LA, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K 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.
12 upvotes
Roman Wright
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
11 upvotes
Maya Cox
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
9 upvotes
Oliver Chavez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to LA it's tough.
8 upvotes
tulsalife2020
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in The Heights. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in legal. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
Lydia Jones
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely excellent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
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