Random thought, The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Am I overthinking this? Cheers. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
9 upvotes
10 Replies
Isla Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 53, moved here 8 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Uptown and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Miami, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
35 upvotes
Christian Castillo
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 3 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to job market but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Emilia Parker
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The cultural scene is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
29 upvotes
Luke Flores
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
27 upvotes
Alexander Roberts
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
22 upvotes
Eva Gutierrez
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
21 upvotes
Quinn Nelson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from Houston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 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:**
marketing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Highland schools are challenging. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Addison Jackson
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in East area are decent. Kids love it here.
12 upvotes
Hunter Walker
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Riverside area are underrated. Kids love it here.
7 upvotes
Aaliyah Myers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Boston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is decent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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