Alright, My family moved here when I was a kid. Household incomes average around $51,892 in Holyoke. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Let me know your thoughts. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
21 upvotes
10 Replies
Dominic Lopez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 10 years. Moved from Austin for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. government 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Highland schools are underrated. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And cost of living 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.
38 upvotes
Susan P.
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Ariana Murphy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from LA about 6 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Daniel T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 49, moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Pine Hills and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The walkability situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Phoenix, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
23 upvotes
columbus_aiden
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
22 upvotes
Rylee Murphy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Nashville about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is underrated.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
willow_kid
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Indian places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
12 upvotes
John Hill
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 15 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into running, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
10 upvotes
Jonathan Ward
Came here for work and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The cost of living is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
9 upvotes
Stephen T.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The walkability is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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