I'm a chef and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
Willow Sanchez
preach
22 upvotes
minneapoliswalker2023
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Luca Kim
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Phoenix about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
portland_jacob
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely pretty good and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
12 upvotes
Santiago Y.
I work in finance here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is pretty good. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
11 upvotes
Jeremiah B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 8 years. Moved from Tampa for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality 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 not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 hit or miss. 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. Can feel isolated. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Jace Hughes
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
10 upvotes
Nora Perez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 7 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
4 upvotes
Jameson Kim
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
3 upvotes
Daniel S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely solid and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (North) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.