Random thought, Military spouse here. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. With a population of 1,507, Malta is a small town. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Worth the trade-offs? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
6 upvotes
11 Replies
Sophia
I've lived in Highland for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The cultural scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Arianna
couldn't agree more
36 upvotes
Katherine Brooks
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in South area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
29 upvotes
Isla Flores
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is decent in most areas.
29 upvotes
Asher D.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
22 upvotes
Kayden H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Tampa about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is tough.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Nora Lee
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 36, moved here 4 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Pine Hills and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. surprisingly good 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 Seattle, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
21 upvotes
Riley Richardson
couldn't agree more
20 upvotes
Alexa
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Southern places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
18 upvotes
Elena H.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Michael Castillo
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.