Random thought, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Homes are going for about $148,500 on average. Rent is about $803/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 17.1%, which is higher than I expected. You can expect to pay around $803 for rent here. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Thanks! Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
13 upvotes
15 Replies
Serenity 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 Raleigh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. hospitality 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 love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Highland 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Road conditions need improvement. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Logan W.
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
30 upvotes
Joan S.
Came here for retirement and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The dating scene is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
27 upvotes
Emma Cooper
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The food scene is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Ann R.
preach
27 upvotes
Sara O.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely solid and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Riverside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. school system 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.
24 upvotes
Ethan Sanchez
Came here for weather and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The job market is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
nyckid2023
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in The Heights area are improving. Kids love it here.
20 upvotes
Scarlett Jones
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
9 upvotes
Jace Long
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 6 years. Moved from Tampa for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2023 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. education 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 tough - 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. East 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 very walkable outside downtown. Limited entertainment options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Luke
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
7 upvotes
Jack B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 6 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
6 upvotes
Jordan A.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
2 upvotes
Aaliyah Martinez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 4 years. Moved from Charlotte for quality of life. 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Eastside 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. Rising rent and home prices. Homeless population growing downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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