So, You can expect to pay around $1,325 for rent here. Average temperature is around 47--F, so expect cold winters. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Should I be concerned? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
24 upvotes
13 Replies
Jayden M.
I've lived in Highland for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good airport with direct flights
- The walkability scene is better than expected
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Gabriella Edwards
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 4 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2015 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Sunset schools are excellent. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Mateo Ruiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Seattle about 6 years ago. The main reasons were work and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is excellent.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Jace Turner
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
32 upvotes
Natalie Nguyen
yeah no that's not right
31 upvotes
Lydia Sanchez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 7 years. Moved from Denver for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
legal is strong here. manufacturing 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 excellent - 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. East 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. Limited high-paying job options. Homeless population growing downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
happy_wyatt67
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Highland area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Charlotte Phillips
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Downtown. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in legal. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
lillian_soul
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Charlotte it's better than expected.
14 upvotes
Natalie Nguyen
been saying this for years
12 upvotes
Sophie Carter
underrated comment
7 upvotes
Ava S.
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The school system is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
3 upvotes
Eleanor
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Riverside area are improving. Kids love it here.
All Countries
