Hello, I work in finance and Rent is about $1,608/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $411,100 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. What would you do? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
20 upvotes
11 Replies
Samuel Collins
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in South area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
39 upvotes
Dylan P.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
39 upvotes
Elizabeth Wood
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 38, moved here 1 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Oak Park and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Portland, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K 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.
37 upvotes
Wesley Campbell
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The school system scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
chill_colton4
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much affordable but now it's surprisingly good.
30 upvotes
Bennett Sanchez
I've lived in Highland for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The safety scene is improving
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Melanie Thompson
it depends on the neighborhood
24 upvotes
Audrey W.
Came here for retirement and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The safety is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
15 upvotes
Ruby M.
I've lived in East for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The food scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
6 upvotes
Harper Kim
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 4 years. Moved from Miami for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes 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 improving. 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. Property taxes are high. Road conditions need improvement. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Cooper Baker
Bought a house here in 2024 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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