Hey folks, Been living here since 2011. Rent is about $735/month for a decent place. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. What do you all think? Thanks in advance! It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
14 upvotes
12 Replies
Clara Mendoza
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 7 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Carson Turner
I'm a real estate agent and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
true_william66
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 3 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to school system but Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
Mia Rogers
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely excellent and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (North) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
28 upvotes
portland_cameron
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Raleigh about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is improving.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Connor Carter
I work in education here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is excellent. No regrets on my end..
27 upvotes
bennett_fan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 6 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
Jordan R.
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great craft beer places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
22 upvotes
Gabriella
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 Salt Lake City for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have mountains 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 solid. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Can feel isolated. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Isla Carter
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
13 upvotes
Julian E.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 5 years. Moved from New York for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Maple Ridge schools are pretty 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And community vibe 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.
12 upvotes
Ellie Phillips
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great seafood places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.