Random thought, I'm a 28-year-old firefighter and Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. The weather takes some getting used to. Anyone in a similar situation? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
23 upvotes
11 Replies
Theodore Ruiz
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
38 upvotes
Santiago Howard
facts
37 upvotes
Elijah Phillips
same here
33 upvotes
Brian O.
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The traffic is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
31 upvotes
Mackenzie Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 53, moved here 9 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Old Town and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. surprisingly good 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 Austin, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
28 upvotes
Lucy W.
I'm a contractor and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
26 upvotes
Lydia Green
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Downtown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in government. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like seafood.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Hudson J.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Raleigh about 8 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Henry
I've lived in Highland for about 8 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 LA, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- The housing market scene is tough
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Connor Evans
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 11 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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