Random thought, Rent is about $1,627/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cheers. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
1 upvotes
13 Replies
Declan P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 10 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
Leah Edwards
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Fairview area are average. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Emma
I work in engineering here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is better than expected. Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Logan C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 12 years. Moved from Seattle for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Nightlife is limited. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Jaxon Sanchez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 3 years. Moved from Chicago for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are hit or miss. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Isaac Campbell
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from San Francisco 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 hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in government. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
26 upvotes
Vivian S.
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
24 upvotes
sf_delilah
Saving this thread
23 upvotes
Miles Castillo
Totally agree!
22 upvotes
Ronald T.
spot on
16 upvotes
Cameron W.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
Oliver Morgan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 13 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
5 upvotes
Christian Baker
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
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