Random thought, I'm single, late 20s, and Poverty rate is 11.7%, which is around average. With a population of 8,222, Auburn is a small town. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. What would you do? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
7 upvotes
15 Replies
Vivian Phillips
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 11 years. Moved from Tampa for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Dating scene is rough. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Santiago
literally same
35 upvotes
Adeline Parker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 7 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Quinn Gomez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 6 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Ruby Johnson
+1
32 upvotes
desert_ezekiel30
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor recreation is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Jacob T.
I've lived in Highland for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- The job market scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
William Turner
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Riverside area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Lydia Cox
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
23 upvotes
William A.
I'm a project manager and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
17 upvotes
Leonardo Mitchell
I work in tech here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is improving. No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Emma White
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is excellent in most areas.
13 upvotes
Mackenzie Roberts
Saving this thread
8 upvotes
Aaron T.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
7 upvotes
Dennis M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 43, moved here 15 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Springfield and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Baltimore, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
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