First post here. Household incomes average around $140,180 in Leander. It's a a smaller city city with about 67,880 people. The city has invested a lot in new development. Does this match your experience? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
26 upvotes
7 Replies
Gabriella King
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
39 upvotes
Adeline White
Moved here from Tampa about 11 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to healthcare but Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Cora
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 14 years. Moved from New York for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate 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 love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have national forests 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 hit or miss. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Far from beaches/mountains. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Madeline Allen
following this thread
17 upvotes
Hunter M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 38, moved here 13 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Lakewood and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Raleigh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
14 upvotes
Anna Brooks
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Nashville about 15 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Brittany C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to San Francisco it's solid.