So, I grew up here but left for a while. Crime rate is something to consider — Irving sits at 251.4 per 100K. The city has invested a lot in new development. Anyone in a similar situation? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
54 upvotes
11 Replies
Aaron L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Houston about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Everly D.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 12 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Andrew Myers
Bought a house here in 2018 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
38 upvotes
Levi Martin
Saving this thread
37 upvotes
Sadie Miller
I've lived in Downtown for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The outdoor recreation scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Natalie Reed
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
25 upvotes
orlandopapa2022
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much affordable but now it's decent.
23 upvotes
Maya Jimenez
this is the way
18 upvotes
Kennedy Bennett
nah I disagree
2 upvotes
Arianna Clark
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 Minneapolis for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same 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. education 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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 hit or miss. 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. Limited public transit options. Not very walkable outside downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Lucy R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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