Random thought, I'm a 24-year-old social worker and It's a a small town city with about 10,142 people. Rent is about $2,499/month for a decent place. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Would love some local perspective.
6 upvotes
11 Replies
Carson Reed
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much affordable but now it's improving.
34 upvotes
Eleanor Foster
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Chicago it's pretty good.
30 upvotes
Allison H.
I'm a teacher and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
27 upvotes
Noah Phillips
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 8 years. Moved from Austin for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North 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. Rising rent and home prices. Chain restaurants dominate. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Maverick
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 Denver for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. 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:**
manufacturing 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Highland schools are surprisingly 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. Winters are long and cold. Property taxes are high. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
James D.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. 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:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The cultural scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Axel
been saying this for years
15 upvotes
Nevaeh Johnson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Baltimore about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is excellent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
Maya Watson
following this thread
7 upvotes
Elizabeth M.
lol so true
6 upvotes
Melanie Rogers
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Fairview. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in engineering. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Asian.
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