Not sure if this has been asked before, but I've been here for 2 years and Average temperature is around 74--F, so it's warm year-round. The unemployment rate is 1.3%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Bay Hill sits at 31.6 per 100K. Poverty rate is 0.9%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
11 upvotes
3 Replies
Andrew Phillips
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 51, moved here 14 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The pet-friendliness situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Boston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
27 upvotes
Declan 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 3 years. Moved from San Francisco for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. hospitality 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. 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 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Homeless population growing downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Oliver
I've lived in Uptown for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The nightlife scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
All Countries
