OK so Median household income is $34,436, which feels on the lower side for the area. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Anyone in a similar situation? The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
3 upvotes
7 Replies
Genesis C.
I've lived in Highland for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- The housing market scene is tough
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Anna
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 12 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Lillian Turner
facts
17 upvotes
river_naomi99
hmm interesting perspective
13 upvotes
Jose S.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 8 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. retail 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is solid - we have lakes 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 challenging. 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. Limited high-paying job options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Zoe
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 48, moved here 3 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in South and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Chicago, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
1 upvotes
Leonardo Baker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Portland about 15 years ago. The main reasons were work and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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