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Theodore C. housing

First time home buyer in Millbrae

Hey, Crime rate is something to consider -Millbrae sits at 257.1 per 100K. The suburbs are where most families end up.
9 upvotes

6 Replies

Angel Thomas
I've lived in Midtown for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The outdoor recreation scene is excellent

The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains

Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Joseph Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a physical therapist, 28, moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in North and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. decent 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 Minneapolis, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.

**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
38 upvotes
Elizabeth Martin
This.
28 upvotes
Eva Wilson
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 San Diego for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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 surprisingly good. 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. Dating scene is rough. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Dylan Anderson
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
Nora R.
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
4 upvotes
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