Hello, Military spouse here. Poverty rate is 1.0%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. TIA! Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
5 upvotes
6 Replies
Claire Bailey
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Thai places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
35 upvotes
Abigail Ramos
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
30 upvotes
Zoe Lopez
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
24 upvotes
Cora M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely excellent and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (East) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
20 upvotes
Isla
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Hannah A.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 13 years. Moved from San Diego for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have ski resorts 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 better than expected. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Homeless population growing downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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