Curious what people think. Been living here since 2010. Crime rate is something to consider -Willows sits at 361.3 per 100K. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What do you all think? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
12 upvotes
7 Replies
Everett Wright
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely average and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (South) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
39 upvotes
Chloe Jimenez
Moved here from Minneapolis about 6 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to dating scene but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Harper Jones
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 33, moved here 3 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Eastside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Miami, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
33 upvotes
Aaliyah Parker
I've lived in Highland for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- The outdoor recreation scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Paisley F.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Ryan C.
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Asian places. it exceeded my expectations.
16 upvotes
Mia W.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is solid in most areas.
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