Longtime lurker here, I'm a 24-year-old nurse and Average temperature is around 70--F, so it's warm year-round. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. What do you all think? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
26 upvotes
17 Replies
Julia Reyes
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely excellent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare 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.
34 upvotes
jayden_rider
+1
30 upvotes
Amelia Gray
glad someone said it
28 upvotes
Nova Long
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The healthcare is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
27 upvotes
Richard 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 5 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
government is strong here. education 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking trails 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 surprisingly good. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Aurora Allen
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Violet Baker
good to know, thanks
23 upvotes
Zoey
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 8 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
David W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Miami about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Xavier
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 15 years. Moved from Tampa for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2019 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is tough - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are challenging. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Road conditions need improvement. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Ellie Cooper
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
17 upvotes
Weston
hmm interesting perspective
17 upvotes
James G.
Bought a house here in 2015 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone about the same since then.
14 upvotes
Emilia Myers
not my experience at all
6 upvotes
Grayson Perez
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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