First post here. Been living here since 2010. It's a a small town city with about 21,768 people. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Holiday sits at 442.3 per 100K. Homes are going for about $145,700 on average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Has anyone dealt with this? Looking forward to hearing from you all. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
6 upvotes
11 Replies
Miles Long
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
Daniel G.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
34 upvotes
Joshua
spot on
34 upvotes
Parker Brown
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 Baltimore for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have desert landscapes 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 tough. 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. Limited shopping options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Samuel K.
facts
23 upvotes
Isla
Bought a house here in 2023 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
22 upvotes
Sofia Howard
I work in real estate here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is hit or miss. No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
oaklandsoul2023
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
7 upvotes
Jace Morgan
glad someone said it
3 upvotes
Mason Wilson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Miami about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is solid.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
2 upvotes
Savannah Kim
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Atlanta about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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