Hi all, I'm single, late 40s, and The unemployment rate is 5.0%, which is about average. You can expect to pay around $1,043 for rent here. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What are your go-to spots? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
1 upvotes
15 Replies
Leo C.
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
40 upvotes
Hunter Parker
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 Tampa for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 average. 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. Limited shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Asher Peterson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
35 upvotes
Hunter Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 10 years. Moved from Chicago for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. tech 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 better than expected - we have mountains 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 decent. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
austin_living
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Robert C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 5 years. Moved from Boston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
engineering is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are pretty good. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Hazel
as a local I can confirm
25 upvotes
Eva Ross
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
24 upvotes
Isabelle Cox
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Highland) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
23 upvotes
Everett C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 54, moved here 14 years ago from Miami. I've lived in West and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The dating scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Miami, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
21 upvotes
Leo Cooper
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Seattle about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Brooks Kelly
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely solid and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
12 upvotes
Ariana
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Austin about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
6 upvotes
oaklandgirl2021
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 9 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
3 upvotes
Ezra Evans
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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