Longtime lurker here, With a population of 35,492, Kendall West is a smaller city. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Is this normal for Kendall West?
11 upvotes
5 Replies
Abigail Brooks
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 Denver for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. construction 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have beaches 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 pretty 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. Dating scene is rough. Limited entertainment options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Joseph Smith
good to know, thanks
27 upvotes
Caleb Baker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in education. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Ezra C.
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor recreation is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
chicagomind2025
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great farm-to-table places. it's been a really good experience overall.