Random thought, Household incomes average around $82,717 in Elon. Homes are going for about $355,800 on average. With a population of 11,325, Elon is a small town. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Let me know your thoughts. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
3 upvotes
10 Replies
Axel Gray
spot on
39 upvotes
Ellie Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 32, moved here 5 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Old Town and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Can feel isolated
3. The weather situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Nashville, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
27 upvotes
Camila Gutierrez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
25 upvotes
Greyson Morgan
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
Matthew L.
nah I disagree
18 upvotes
Kayden Cox
Saving this thread
13 upvotes
Ezra C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 4 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into running, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
Katherine Brooks
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Charlotte about 6 years ago. The main reasons were family and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is challenging.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
9 upvotes
Isabella
Bought a house here in 2018 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
9 upvotes
Adam W.
I've lived in Highland for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The dating scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
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