Average temperature is around 68--F, so the weather is moderate. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
4 upvotes
15 Replies
Joshua M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 10 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Leonardo Ramirez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 4 years. Moved from Chicago for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. 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. North schools are decent. 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. Property taxes are high. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Ezekiel
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely underrated and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Riverside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
30 upvotes
Emily M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is decent in most areas.
26 upvotes
Joseph Turner
100%
20 upvotes
Jose Davis
spot on
20 upvotes
Natalie Edwards
I've lived in Highland for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- The cost of living scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Aiden R.
interesting, hadn't considered that
17 upvotes
Hailey B.
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
jayden_vibes
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
Michael Diaz
not my experience at all
10 upvotes
Robert Taylor
glad someone said it
10 upvotes
Madelyn Jimenez
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Sunset area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
Jacob Bennett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Springfield. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in government. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Thai.