Longtime lurker here, Poverty rate is 23.5%, which is higher than I expected. With a population of 3,824, Dana is a small town. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Thoughts?
14 upvotes
4 Replies
Sarah Richardson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 14 years. Moved from New York for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. 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 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. finance 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes 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 solid. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
brooks_girl
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Josiah Hernandez
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
26 upvotes
Mia Martinez
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much affordable but now it's excellent.
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