Military spouse here. Median household income is $50,564, which feels on the lower side for the area. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Let me know your thoughts. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
30 upvotes
7 Replies
Waylon Ramos
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from San Francisco about 12 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
Josiah Murphy
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 55, moved here 6 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Oak Park and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Can feel isolated
3. The safety situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Boston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
17 upvotes
Lucas S.
seconding this
15 upvotes
Lydia Ross
yep
13 upvotes
Wesley Ramirez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 15 years. Moved from LA for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2016 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:**
construction is strong here. legal 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have mountains 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 surprisingly 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. Can feel isolated. Homeless population growing downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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