First post here. We have two kids and Median household income is $124,375, which feels pretty solid for the area. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
10 upvotes
12 Replies
Isabella Clark
Moved here from LA about 1 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to cultural scene but Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Mia Lewis
same here
36 upvotes
Aaliyah
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Piper
yeah no that's not right
22 upvotes
Jace Reyes
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Peyton
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is average in most areas.
16 upvotes
Lillian Wright
haha yep pretty much
14 upvotes
Ezra
lol so true
13 upvotes
Pamela J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 25, moved here 7 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Oak Park and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited shopping options
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Atlanta, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
13 upvotes
Henry Nguyen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 1 years. Moved from Houston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. 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 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 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. Road conditions need improvement. Far from beaches/mountains. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, 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.
12 upvotes
Bella Smith
Bought a house here in 2024 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone about the same since then.
9 upvotes
Everly Murphy
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 46, moved here 11 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Oak Park and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The school system situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Houston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
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