Hey, The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
11 upvotes
7 Replies
Wyatt Kelly
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Josiah Morgan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 45, moved here 12 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Eastside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The pet-friendliness situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Dallas, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K 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.
27 upvotes
Wesley James
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Denver about 15 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Happy to answer more specific questions..
25 upvotes
atl_connor
preach
16 upvotes
Wesley Morris
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 12 years. Moved from Denver for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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 underrated. 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. Winters are long and cold. Nightlife is limited. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, 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.
6 upvotes
Alexa Ramirez
yep
4 upvotes
Nancy B.
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
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