Poverty rate is 1.2%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Does this match your experience? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
9 upvotes
10 Replies
Nathan Sanders
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
39 upvotes
waylon_dude
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely better than expected and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Old Town) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
37 upvotes
Jonathan Cox
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
36 upvotes
Sebastian Y.
preach
28 upvotes
Riley M.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Sunset area are decent. Kids love it here.
17 upvotes
Evan Reyes
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Raleigh it's average.
12 upvotes
Aiden R.
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
11 upvotes
Nora Collins
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 15 years. Moved from Tampa for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. engineering 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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 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. Urban sprawl is real. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Liam P.
I've lived in Westside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The housing market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Colton Young
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Minneapolis it's underrated.
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