Hey folks, Worth the trade-offs? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
8 upvotes
13 Replies
Addison M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from New York about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is underrated.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
Ashley M.
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The safety is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Everly
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to New York it's hit or miss.
29 upvotes
Melanie Murphy
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 1 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. real estate 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 tough - 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 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. Urban sprawl is real. Chain restaurants dominate. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Arianna Parker
preach
19 upvotes
wyatt_heart
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Midtown area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
19 upvotes
Sadie Sanders
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 3 years. Moved from Portland for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
construction is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Rising rent and home prices. Property taxes are high. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Jack Patel
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much affordable but now it's excellent.
15 upvotes
Allison Martin
yep
14 upvotes
Jace Anderson
accurate
12 upvotes
Camila T.
100%
7 upvotes
Abigail Perez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
5 upvotes
Aiden T.
I work in legal here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is underrated. Hope this helps!.
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