Longtime lurker here, I'm retired and You can expect to pay around $874 for rent here. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. The median home value here is around $101,900, which is actually reasonable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Thoughts? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up.
3 upvotes
15 Replies
Landon Turner
haha yep pretty much
39 upvotes
Greyson Clark
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 11 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
Kai Brooks
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much stable but now it's challenging.
34 upvotes
Gerald Y.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from Austin for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2016 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. engineering 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 improving - 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 tough. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Chain restaurants dominate. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Carson Miller
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is underrated in most areas.
29 upvotes
Xavier Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 41, moved here 6 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Oak Park and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Can feel isolated
3. The food scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. better than expected 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 Charlotte, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K 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.
27 upvotes
Grace Rogers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Raleigh about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Serenity C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 25, moved here 15 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in South and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The community vibe situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
22 upvotes
Dominic
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely underrated and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Springfield) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
22 upvotes
Henry Chavez
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Wesley Ramirez
spot on
17 upvotes
Kathleen T.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
16 upvotes
David Sanchez
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Southern places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
15 upvotes
Aaliyah
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
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