Anyone else feel this way? I'm a remote worker and The unemployment rate is 1.0%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $140,100, which is actually reasonable. Homes are going for about $140,100 on average. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Anyone in a similar situation? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
13 upvotes
15 Replies
Adam C.
it depends on the neighborhood
39 upvotes
Ella King
same here
39 upvotes
cool_angel92
hmm interesting perspective
36 upvotes
Vincent B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 4 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. tech 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches 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 average. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Dating scene is rough. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Zoe
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from San Diego about 8 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is decent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Maya Patel
hmm interesting perspective
32 upvotes
Everett Morgan
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The weather is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
30 upvotes
Leo Murphy
wish I knew this sooner
28 upvotes
Gabriella Myers
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Sunset. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in retail. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
No regrets on my end..
27 upvotes
Sebastian Martin
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
20 upvotes
Christian Mendoza
as a local I can confirm
19 upvotes
Madeline H.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
17 upvotes
Madeline Diaz
nah I disagree
15 upvotes
Genesis Lee
I've lived in Uptown for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The pet-friendliness scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
All Countries
