First post here. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
10 upvotes
21 Replies
Eli Brooks
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely challenging and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Riverside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
40 upvotes
Benjamin Martinez
good to know, thanks
36 upvotes
Hailey Long
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
35 upvotes
Leonardo Bailey
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
33 upvotes
Madelyn
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The walkability is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Aria F.
100%
31 upvotes
Ethan Scott
100%
29 upvotes
Caroline Garcia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 37, moved here 15 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The public transit situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 San Diego, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
28 upvotes
Piper Anderson
hard disagree but ok
24 upvotes
Kaylee
This.
23 upvotes
Sophie
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 5 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
22 upvotes
Clara L.
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 14 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to safety but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Maya Watson
great question, following
21 upvotes
Silas B.
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
16 upvotes
mountain_theodore5
I work in construction here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Joseph Cruz
I've lived in East for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Diverse dining options
- The pet-friendliness scene is tough
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Harold C.
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
11 upvotes
wesley_fan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 6 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
10 upvotes
Kayden B.
spot on
9 upvotes
Arianna Ortiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 14 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. real estate 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Dating scene is rough. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.