I've been here for 4 years and Crime rate is something to consider -Montebello sits at 284.1 per 100K. Rent is about $1,771/month for a decent place. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Thoughts? TIA!
8 upvotes
15 Replies
theodore_guy
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
36 upvotes
Luke M.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Chicago it's surprisingly good.
35 upvotes
raised_genesis21
seconding this
30 upvotes
serenity_lover
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The traffic is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
28 upvotes
mesa_hunter
as a local I can confirm
21 upvotes
John Davis
seconding this
19 upvotes
Adeline L.
haha yep pretty much
13 upvotes
Jeremiah Ross
Came here for retirement and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The cultural scene is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
12 upvotes
Zoe Turner
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 10 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
Weston
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Meadowbrook. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
Camila Kim
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 9 years. Moved from Charlotte for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2024 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:**
finance is strong here. consulting 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers 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. Nightlife is limited. Property taxes are high. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Victoria W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from San Francisco about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
5 upvotes
Asher Clark
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
0 upvotes
Ariana Thompson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Chicago it's solid.