Longtime lurker here, I've been here for 2 years and The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. With a population of 4,503, Hawaiian Beaches is a small town. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I overthinking this? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to.
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Delilah Brown
this is the way
36 upvotes
Zoey Parker
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much wild but now it's hit or miss.
34 upvotes
Victoria
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
34 upvotes
phoenixnative2021
exactly what I was thinking
29 upvotes
Robert Evans
big facts right here
27 upvotes
Jonathan Walker
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 Phoenix for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. marketing 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Dating scene is rough. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Hannah Y.
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The pet-friendliness is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
19 upvotes
Aria Brown
facts
19 upvotes
Mackenzie Watson
bump
17 upvotes
Piper Adams
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (South) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness 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.
16 upvotes
Jayden Clark
Saving this thread
13 upvotes
Brooks
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
boston_landon
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Asian places. I love the pace of life here.
8 upvotes
Weston Castillo
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Raleigh about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
2 upvotes
Weston Carter
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
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