Not sure if this has been asked before, but I've been here for 13 years and It's a a small town city with about 14,981 people. Median household income is $101,991, which feels pretty solid for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Highland Park sits at 101.5 per 100K. With a population of 14,981, Highland Park is a small town. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Am I wrong here? Thanks in advance! Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. 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. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
14 upvotes
3 Replies
Delilah G.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Serenity Mitchell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 30, moved here 9 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Old Town and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K 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.
11 upvotes
Amelia Moore
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 1 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
All Countries
