Curious what people think. Military spouse here. Crime rate is something to consider -Four Square Mile sits at 965.3 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Am I overthinking this? TIA! Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
11 upvotes
14 Replies
Ariana
not my experience at all
38 upvotes
Evan Hernandez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in East. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in marketing. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Thai.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Owen K.
Moved here from LA about 4 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Savannah James
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely solid and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (South) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
22 upvotes
Kayden R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 15 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Kayden R.
noted, appreciate it
19 upvotes
Olivia Hall
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
18 upvotes
Isaac T.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Autumn Watson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 9 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
10 upvotes
Matthew T.
seconding this
10 upvotes
Nora
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.
9 upvotes
Leo Brown
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 12 years. Moved from Chicago for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 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:**
healthcare is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - we have state parks 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 hit or miss. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited shopping options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Zoe A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 15 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into running, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
4 upvotes
henry_mama
I'm a real estate agent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
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