Hey, I'm originally from San Diego and Median household income is $55,958, which feels about average for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 49,011 people. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Would love some local perspective.
26 upvotes
20 Replies
Jayden Hughes
I'm a project manager and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
38 upvotes
Lydia Hernandez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is excellent in most areas.
35 upvotes
Jacob Cox
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Cedar Grove. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in education. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Hope this helps!.
34 upvotes
Mia E.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Olivia Mendoza
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
23 upvotes
Weston Jones
great question, following
17 upvotes
vegasdude2022
honestly same experience here
12 upvotes
Michael C.
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
12 upvotes
eleanor_native
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
11 upvotes
Caleb C.
underrated comment
11 upvotes
Nova James
facts
10 upvotes
Isabella Campbell
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
Anna Bailey
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (West) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
6 upvotes
Jameson Wood
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 Tampa for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. marketing 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Audrey Peterson
Moved here last year, no regrets.
5 upvotes
Isabelle
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is average in most areas.
4 upvotes
Mia
this is the way
3 upvotes
Nicole C.
it depends on the neighborhood
1 upvotes
Bradley B.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
0 upvotes
Luna H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 32, moved here 13 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Eastside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Chicago, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
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