My family moved here when I was a kid. It's a a smaller city city with about 28,043 people. The unemployment rate is 1.4%, which is pretty low. With a population of 28,043, Clayton is a smaller city. Homes are going for about $292,400 on average. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
21 upvotes
14 Replies
Jace Evans
haha yep pretty much
40 upvotes
Alice B.
spot on
35 upvotes
Piper Lopez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
35 upvotes
Lydia Howard
honestly same experience here
34 upvotes
Patricia T.
facts
32 upvotes
Nova R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Old Town) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
32 upvotes
Hailey T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 3 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Old Town 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. Nightlife is limited. Homeless population growing downtown. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Brooklyn Jones
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Portland it's hit or miss.
21 upvotes
Ryan
Came here for school and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The pet-friendliness is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
18 upvotes
Adeline M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 6 years. Moved from Raleigh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside 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. Limited public transit options. Urban sprawl is real. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Greyson Murphy
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
10 upvotes
Aaliyah Mendoza
Came here for work and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The pet-friendliness is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
4 upvotes
Emmett W.
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
1 upvotes
madeline_native
I've lived in Highland for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- The walkability scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
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