Anyone else feel this way? You can expect to pay around $1,999 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Lake Mary sits at 112.5 per 100K. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Has anyone dealt with this? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
14 upvotes
3 Replies
Daniel Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 10 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Samuel Mendoza
I work in legal here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
wild_weston54
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
legal is strong here. tech 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. 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 solid. 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. Nightlife is limited. Not very walkable outside downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.