We're a young couple and Rent is about $1,644/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $359,600 on average. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Does this match your experience?
2 upvotes
25 Replies
cincyvibes2024
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
38 upvotes
portland_joseph
I work in government here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is pretty good. Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Grace Kim
not my experience at all
37 upvotes
Joshua
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 Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. legal 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's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is tough - we have biking 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 better than expected. 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. Can feel isolated. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Silas Ramirez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Houston about 10 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is solid.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
detroitmind2021
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
35 upvotes
Eugene P.
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
Ezekiel Wilson
couldn't agree more
31 upvotes
Bradley P.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
27 upvotes
Skylar Collins
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
26 upvotes
Vivian Murphy
Came here for retirement and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The dating scene is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
24 upvotes
Matthew Diaz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 7 years. Moved from Miami for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. consulting 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are underrated. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Ryan Morgan
I work in retail here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
river_carter89
seconding this
18 upvotes
indylocal2020
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
17 upvotes
Jeremiah Lopez
preach
16 upvotes
Maverick Jimenez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely challenging and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (South) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
15 upvotes
Andrew Reed
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is average in most areas.
14 upvotes
Oliver Foster
Moved here from New York about 7 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to food scene but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Dominic Clark
I work in manufacturing here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
11 upvotes
Emilia Young
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 38, moved here 1 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Highland and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Baltimore, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
10 upvotes
Paisley
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Portland about 5 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is improving.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
6 upvotes
Luke
I've lived in Old Town for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- The public transit scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
4 upvotes
Emily S.
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
3 upvotes
Bella Adams
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
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