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Parker Brown
qa
Weekend activities in Highland Park?
Curious what people think. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
28 upvotes
26 Replies
Levi Price
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 33, moved here 6 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Springfield and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Tampa, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 33, moved here 6 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Springfield and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Tampa, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
40 upvotes
Adam
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 1 years. Moved from Dallas for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Sunset 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Sunset for 1 years. Moved from Dallas for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Sunset 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Joseph J.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is average in most areas.
38 upvotes
Lucas Patel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 30, moved here 6 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Riverside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 30, moved here 6 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Riverside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
34 upvotes
Easton Nelson
I'm a electrician and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Silas Walker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Meadowbrook. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in marketing. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Meadowbrook. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in marketing. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Skylar Flores
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 55, moved here 1 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in South and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The housing market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
Background: I'm a writer, 55, moved here 1 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in South and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The housing market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
31 upvotes
Oliver O.
Bought a house here in 2022 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
31 upvotes
Nolan Stewart
+1
30 upvotes
Levi R.
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The housing market is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
30 upvotes
Natalie Phillips
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Springfield) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Springfield) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
25 upvotes
Eleanor Lee
literally same
22 upvotes
Josiah
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
21 upvotes
Ethan Gomez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 11 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into running, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
I've been here 11 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into running, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Hudson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely tough and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (The Heights) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely tough and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (The Heights) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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
Aria
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely average and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Fairview) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely average and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Fairview) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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
Delilah Long
I'm a accountant and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
Joshua Baker
honestly same experience here
15 upvotes
Madison S.
Bought a house here in 2017 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
13 upvotes
Ava N.
Bought a house here in 2023 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
12 upvotes
Evan Anderson
Can confirm, been here 15 years.
12 upvotes
John D.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
12 upvotes
Elena
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in retail. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in retail. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Santiago Rivera
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
8 upvotes
Kayden
honestly same experience here
7 upvotes
Landon Smith
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely excellent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Fairview) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely excellent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Fairview) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
2 upvotes