Curious what people think. I've been here for 18 years and The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,508/month for a decent place. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Worth the trade-offs? The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
9 upvotes
10 Replies
Piper N.
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Springfield area are improving. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Christian Rogers
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 Pittsburgh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. 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 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. Limited public transit options. Dating scene is rough. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Christian W.
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much reasonable but now it's tough.
22 upvotes
Quinn J.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from New York about 3 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
21 upvotes
Aurora
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Denver it's improving.
21 upvotes
Brielle Harris
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
20 upvotes
happy_anna77
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 6 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. 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 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. finance 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is solid - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are decent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Chain restaurants dominate. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Ezekiel Turner
nah I disagree
13 upvotes
Henry
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 1 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Emily
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 56, moved here 4 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Fairview and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Miami, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
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