Curious what people think. Crime rate is something to consider -Mountlake Terrace sits at 171.2 per 100K. Median household income is $101,404, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a small town city with about 21,419 people. Rent is about $1,966/month for a decent place. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development.
14 upvotes
6 Replies
Reagan Gonzalez
I've lived in Highland for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The housing market scene is tough
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Olivia M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 5 years. Moved from Houston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. 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:**
retail is strong here. healthcare 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is decent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are decent. 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. Limited public transit options. Road conditions need improvement. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Cynthia A.
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
36 upvotes
Avery W.
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Matthew
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Denver it's hit or miss.
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