The median home value here is around $103,800, which is actually reasonable. You can expect to pay around $553 for rent here. Homes are going for about $103,800 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Hamlet sits at 468.8 per 100K. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Strong sense of community
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Limited public transit
- Boring for young people
- Poor road conditions
- Mosquitoes and humidity
What do you all think? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development.
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Dennis L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 7 years. Moved from Seattle for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. 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 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. hospitality 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's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Highland schools are underrated. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Urban sprawl is real. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Nolan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 7 years. Moved from LA for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing 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's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks 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 improving. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Summers can be brutally hot. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Ann P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from San Diego about 12 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Miles Campbell
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much pricey but now it's underrated.
29 upvotes
Hunter
bump
25 upvotes
Silas Sanchez
Saving this thread
25 upvotes
Santiago
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
22 upvotes
Lily Robinson
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
21 upvotes
Jose R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 3 years. Moved from Baltimore for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. North schools are underrated. 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. Property taxes are high. Bugs and humidity in summer. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Sophia G.
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The school system is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
9 upvotes
Gabriel
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The dating scene is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
3 upvotes
Julian Lee
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
3 upvotes
Avery
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
3 upvotes
nashville_genesis
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
2 upvotes
Thomas T.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
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