Random thought, I'm a teacher here and Poverty rate is 6.8%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,607/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. Homes are going for about $329,200 on average. The median home value here is around $329,200, which seems about average. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Great weather
- Nice parks and trails
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Cold winters
- Rising rent prices
- Poor road conditions
Anyone in a similar situation? Any help is appreciated. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
9 upvotes
9 Replies
Julian G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Raleigh about 8 years ago. The main reasons were work and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Charlotte M.
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much pricey but now it's challenging.
33 upvotes
Harper J.
honestly same experience here
28 upvotes
Adam C.
I've lived in Highland for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
- The outdoor recreation scene is solid
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
22 upvotes
Isabelle M.
yeah no that's not right
21 upvotes
Samantha B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 28, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Lakewood and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The community vibe situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 LA, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
13 upvotes
Nicholas Moore
Moved here from Nashville about 14 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Feel free to reach out with questions..
13 upvotes
Nolan Moore
Moved here from Boston about 9 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to community vibe but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
7 upvotes
Aria Brown
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Italian.
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