So, I'm originally from Tampa and Homes are going for about $289,600 on average. With a population of 14,656, Greendale is a small town. The median home value here is around $289,600, which seems about average. You can expect to pay around $1,177 for rent here. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Let me know your thoughts. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
14 upvotes
15 Replies
Leah Campbell
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely underrated and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (West) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
39 upvotes
local_stella65
I've lived in Highland for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Close to major attractions
- The walkability scene is improving
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
36 upvotes
born_axel93
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Austin about 5 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
34 upvotes
Amy M.
nah I disagree
32 upvotes
Maverick W.
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
31 upvotes
Jayden M.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
30 upvotes
Natalie C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 11 years. Moved from Tampa for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Lakewood schools are solid. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare 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.
19 upvotes
Isla
I work in real estate here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is underrated. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
19 upvotes
Savannah Jackson
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
julian_fan
Came here for weather and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The school system is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
9 upvotes
Adeline Ramirez
nah I disagree
8 upvotes
Evan Mendoza
great question, following
7 upvotes
everett_lover
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Greenfield area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
5 upvotes
Nora J.
good to know, thanks
2 upvotes
abigail_rider
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Springfield. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in education. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Italian.
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