Hey everyone, Median household income is $68,125, which feels about average for the area. The median home value here is around $133,100, which is actually reasonable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Anyone in a similar situation?
11 upvotes
10 Replies
Emmett Hall
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
39 upvotes
Nevaeh Carter
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The weather is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
Anna Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 57, moved here 2 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The traffic situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Phoenix, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K 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.
33 upvotes
Eli B.
+1
25 upvotes
Jack R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Miami about 8 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is average.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
minneapolislover2025
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 1 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Hudson Phillips
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
17 upvotes
Kai T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Boston about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Amelia M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 11 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking 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 underrated. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Rising rent and home prices. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Adam Taylor
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor recreation is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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