Been meaning to ask this. I'm retired and It's a a smaller city city with about 27,418 people. Average temperature is around 66--F, so the weather is moderate. Homes are going for about $220,400 on average. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What neighborhoods would you suggest? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
30 upvotes
5 Replies
Grayson White
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from San Diego about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
Zoey
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
Natalie Garcia
Totally agree!
17 upvotes
Andrew Harris
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely pretty good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (South) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene 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.
3 upvotes
Aaron Young
I've lived in Highland for about 4 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 Seattle, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The outdoor recreation scene is improving
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..