Hey, My partner and I are Median household income is $54,438, which feels on the lower s
11 upvotes
18 Replies
Audrey Bailey
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Old Town) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
33 upvotes
Eleanor Williams
I work in legal here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is better than expected. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
kc_nicholas
This.
24 upvotes
Adeline Cruz
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 6 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Pine Hills and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The school system situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
22 upvotes
Benjamin
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 6 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
vegas_ethan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 5 years. Moved from Charlotte for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
government 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Eastside 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited high-paying job options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Mateo Cooper
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The safety is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
cool_lucy29
hmm interesting perspective
14 upvotes
Delilah R.
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 Atlanta for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have lakes 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 improving. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited high-paying job options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Eva R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Piper Morgan
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The housing market is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
10 upvotes
Jack S.
literally same
9 upvotes
Wesley Sanchez
good to know, thanks
9 upvotes
Greyson Castillo
Moved here from Nashville about 2 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to healthcare but No regrets on my end..
9 upvotes
Ethan Cox
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 13 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
Madelyn Edwards
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 4 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Brielle Harris
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 2 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Bella Ramirez
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..