Homes are going for about $89,900 on average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Worth the trade-offs? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up.
6 upvotes
30 Replies
Bella Wood
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
40 upvotes
Madelyn Anderson
Moved here last year, no regrets.
40 upvotes
Kai B.
following this thread
39 upvotes
Elena
thanks for sharing
36 upvotes
Ariana Kelly
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Roman G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from San Diego about 15 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is tough.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Austin Johnson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
Katherine
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
33 upvotes
Judy K.
Can confirm, been here 14 years.
29 upvotes
Jonathan A.
This.
29 upvotes
Ethan Ramirez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Phoenix about 7 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Hunter Stewart
hard disagree but ok
20 upvotes
Gabriel L.
interesting, hadn't considered that
19 upvotes
Elizabeth Wood
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
Claire Roberts
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great farm-to-table places. it's been a really good experience overall.
16 upvotes
Roman Bennett
This.
16 upvotes
Claire H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 7 years. Moved from Phoenix for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - we have state parks 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 improving. 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 public transit options. Urban sprawl is real. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
jaxmama2026
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely excellent and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (East) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
9 upvotes
Nicholas Hughes
couldn't agree more
8 upvotes
Victoria C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
7 upvotes
Carson Hall
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
7 upvotes
Sophia Myers
interesting, hadn't considered that
6 upvotes
Everett Stewart
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
6 upvotes
Luke Kim
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 1 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
3 upvotes
Aurora Ramos
literally same
3 upvotes
Leah Morgan
seconding this
3 upvotes
Julian Carter
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Thai places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
2 upvotes
Mason H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 14 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
2 upvotes
Declan Nelson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
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