Military spouse here. The unemployment rate is 1.5%, which is pretty low. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Am I wrong here? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
12 upvotes
7 Replies
Ezra Nguyen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 6 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Axel Reed
facts
35 upvotes
Reagan Reyes
big facts right here
27 upvotes
Connor Lewis
noted, appreciate it
24 upvotes
stl_alexander
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 47, moved here 3 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Old Town and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Chicago, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
24 upvotes
Isabelle Sanchez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 5 years. Moved from Houston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. 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 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have beaches 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 excellent. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Santiago Martin
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
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