First post here. The unemployment rate is 4.9%, which is about average. Median household income is $47,265, which feels on the lower side for the area. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What neighborhoods would you suggest? TIA!
5 upvotes
14 Replies
Isabella A.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
35 upvotes
Ariana Hill
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
32 upvotes
Colton Hill
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
31 upvotes
minneapolis_violet
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 15 years. Moved from Denver for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2024 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are challenging. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Oliver Miller
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
25 upvotes
Ryan 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 13 years. Moved from Minneapolis for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. legal 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have beaches 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 challenging. 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. Winters are long and cold. Not very walkable outside downtown. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Addison Howard
exactly what I was thinking
22 upvotes
Adrian Nelson
exactly what I was thinking
17 upvotes
Ellie Gray
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
16 upvotes
native_adeline27
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Westside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in retail. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Vivian M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is tough in most areas.
3 upvotes
William Reed
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
3 upvotes
Vivian Ruiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Boston about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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