I'm single, late 40s, and Homes are going for about $712,300 on average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Any advice would be great. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
44 upvotes
15 Replies
Olivia Mendoza
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Maple Ridge. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in education. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Isla Flores
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely decent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
34 upvotes
Dominic H.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
33 upvotes
Eva Ross
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much affordable but now it's tough.
29 upvotes
Sofia
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 13 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Brooklyn B.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Denver about 9 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is average.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Clara L.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is solid in most areas.
21 upvotes
Jace Allen
100%
20 upvotes
Levi Hughes
nah I disagree
18 upvotes
Madeline Lee
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Eleanor Martinez
I've lived in Highland for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- The healthcare scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Ellie G.
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much stable but now it's better than expected.
11 upvotes
Ralph K.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Chicago it's solid.
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