First post here. My family moved here when I was a kid. The median home value here is around $270,300, which seems about average. Homes are going for about $270,300 on average. Poverty rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Anyone in a similar situation? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
13 upvotes
15 Replies
Melanie
I've lived in Highland for about 8 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 Minneapolis, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The safety scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Cora Long
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Denver it's average.
35 upvotes
Brielle G.
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
32 upvotes
Carter Wilson
Moved here last year, no regrets.
29 upvotes
Natalie Nguyen
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Lakewood area are solid. Kids love it here.
28 upvotes
Stella Ross
big facts right here
25 upvotes
Eleanor Martinez
Came here for work and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The food scene is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
22 upvotes
Nicole R.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
18 upvotes
Lydia
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Dylan Wilson
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 9 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to public transit but No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Kaylee Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 10 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
10 upvotes
Aria Ortiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 57, moved here 5 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Oak Park and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The food scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
10 upvotes
Julia Nelson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Minneapolis about 11 years ago. The main reasons were work and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
8 upvotes
Mateo Bailey
facts
7 upvotes
Jose Diaz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 9 years. Moved from Austin for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
engineering is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside 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. Road conditions need improvement. Far from beaches/mountains. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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