Hey everyone, Been living here since 2009. Median household income is $51,667, which feels on the lower side for the area. The unemployment rate is 6.0%, which is about average. Poverty rate is 8.6%, which is pretty low. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What would you do? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
11 upvotes
8 Replies
Nancy C.
seconding this
33 upvotes
kai_lover
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
28 upvotes
Natalie Clark
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 13 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Dylan Wilson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 11 years. Moved from Houston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
marketing is strong here. finance 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. South schools are better than expected. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, 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.
21 upvotes
Brooklyn Sanders
Bought a house here in 2021 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
15 upvotes
Arthur C.
it depends on the neighborhood
13 upvotes
Colton
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 6 years. Moved from Boston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is tough - we have rivers 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Isabella Moore
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
All Countries
