Curious what people think. My family moved here when I was a kid. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $458,000, which is pretty steep. Median household income is $155,875, which feels pretty solid for the area. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Should I be concerned? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
14 upvotes
7 Replies
Leonardo Jones
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The walkability is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Kelly H.
nah I disagree
39 upvotes
Carol 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 14 years. Moved from Charlotte for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. construction 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have biking trails 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 underrated. 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 public transit options. Limited high-paying job options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Everett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 41, moved here 12 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Fairview and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Atlanta, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
31 upvotes
Jaxon
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Maple Ridge. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like sushi.
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