Poverty rate is 4.0%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Any advice would be great. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
11 upvotes
12 Replies
Claire H.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Mateo Thompson
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Sophia J.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
29 upvotes
Audrey Brown
this is the way
27 upvotes
Jerry C.
yep
27 upvotes
Connor Baker
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
24 upvotes
Easton C.
I've lived in North for about 5 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 New York, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The safety scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Isabelle P.
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 Austin for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
consulting is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is tough - we have ski resorts 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 decent. 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. Limited shopping options. Far from beaches/mountains. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Kennedy Lee
spot on
9 upvotes
Audrey G.
100%
2 upvotes
Parker Kelly
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
1 upvotes
Carter E.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 28, moved here 2 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Downtown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The pet-friendliness situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Phoenix, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K 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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