Anyone else feel this way? We're a young couple and Median household income is $40,169, which feels on the lower side for the area. Household incomes average around $40,169 in Escanaba. The median home value here is around $116,600, which is actually reasonable. Poverty rate is 13.9%, which is around average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What are your go-to spots? The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
0 upvotes
9 Replies
Serenity Hill
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 46, moved here 3 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Lakewood and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. 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 Minneapolis, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
37 upvotes
Madeline
I've lived in Highland for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Diverse dining options
- The public transit scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Kennedy R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 29, moved here 2 years ago from New York. I've lived in The Heights and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 New York, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$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.
28 upvotes
John W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 3 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
27 upvotes
emily_local
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The job market is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Luke R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Highland. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in finance. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
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