Hi all, The unemployment rate is 1.0%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. TIA!
18 upvotes
25 Replies
Cora Taylor
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
39 upvotes
Harper Diaz
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is decent in most areas.
39 upvotes
Genesis Hernandez
I'm a data analyst and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Anna Flores
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great craft beer places. it was the best decision I ever made.
36 upvotes
Scarlett T.
big facts right here
35 upvotes
James Scott
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
Cameron Gray
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from San Francisco for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 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:**
real estate is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Dating scene is rough. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Alexander R.
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The healthcare is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
32 upvotes
Aaron B.
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
29 upvotes
Sophie Castillo
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much affordable but now it's challenging.
28 upvotes
Nathan Wood
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Meadowbrook area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
Leah Campbell
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is improving in most areas.
26 upvotes
Kinsley Ward
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is solid in most areas.
16 upvotes
Arianna M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Riverside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
15 upvotes
Maya Ramirez
same here
11 upvotes
Hannah Garcia
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Baltimore it's decent.
9 upvotes
Hannah T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 11 years. Moved from Charlotte for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown 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. Limited high-paying job options. Dating scene is rough. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Roman Hall
good to know, thanks
7 upvotes
Nova James
honestly same experience here
6 upvotes
Isabella Sanders
Moved here last year, no regrets.
6 upvotes
Diane C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 15 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
6 upvotes
Gianna Brooks
I'm a data analyst and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
6 upvotes
Autumn Lewis
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
5 upvotes
Dominic Wood
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- The dating scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
2 upvotes
Naomi Nguyen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 5 years. Moved from Tampa for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. legal 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 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. Old Town 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. Urban sprawl is real. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.