Anyone else feel this way? Median household income is $125,436, which feels pretty solid for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Martinez sits at 214.5 per 100K. Rent is about $2,265/month for a decent place. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development.
12 upvotes
14 Replies
Weston Moore
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 13 years. Moved from Houston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are improving. 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. Winters are long and cold. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Christian Price
I work in hospitality here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is average. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
tampa_audrey
Can confirm, been here 13 years.
20 upvotes
Jayden Lee
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from Nashville for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. 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 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have hiking trails 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 hit or miss. 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 public transit options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Julian Hall
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Houston it's challenging.
13 upvotes
Violet P.
literally same
13 upvotes
Abigail R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 2 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
hannah_heart
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Boston about 9 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
Reagan Patel
exactly what I was thinking
6 upvotes
Sarah M.
+1
6 upvotes
Harper Cox
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
3 upvotes
Isla C.
nah I disagree
3 upvotes
Aaliyah M.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The safety is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
2 upvotes
Angela C.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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