Longtime lurker here, You can expect to pay around $2,052 for rent here. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Anyone in a similar situation? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
59 upvotes
17 Replies
Sadie Roberts
Can confirm, been here 1 years.
40 upvotes
Sophia Rodriguez
not my experience at all
40 upvotes
Isabelle Myers
Bought a house here in 2019 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
38 upvotes
David J.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
James Patel
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 15 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Lydia P.
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
21 upvotes
Lucas Gonzalez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Dallas about 1 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
Claire
glad someone said it
18 upvotes
Isla Phillips
Came here for weather and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The school system is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
17 upvotes
Bella Wilson
This.
13 upvotes
Mackenzie Watson
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Zoe Richardson
big facts right here
9 upvotes
Easton Gonzalez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
Riley Adams
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely underrated and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Lakewood) 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 Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
7 upvotes
Claire C.
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
5 upvotes
Elena R.
Saving this thread
5 upvotes
Stella Anderson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 1 years. Moved from Portland for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is tough - we have beaches 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 average. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.