Hey everyone, The unemployment rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Has anyone dealt with this? Thanks for reading. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
24 upvotes
13 Replies
Joshua Robinson
literally same
34 upvotes
Violet Ramirez
literally same
29 upvotes
Logan Williams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 9 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
27 upvotes
Dylan Bennett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 4 years. Moved from Tampa for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. 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 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have mountains 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 surprisingly 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. Property taxes are high. Chain restaurants dominate. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
mountain_liam32
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Asian places. I love the pace of life here.
21 upvotes
Owen Jones
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely better than expected and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (South) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
15 upvotes
sunny_carson60
accurate
14 upvotes
Emma Howard
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The public transit is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Kennedy M.
Came here for work and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The healthcare is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
10 upvotes
Waylon Allen
preach
6 upvotes
Katherine Jimenez
I've lived in Eastside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cultural scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
3 upvotes
Claire Adams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 51, moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Pine Hills and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The walkability situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 San Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
2 upvotes
Xavier Bennett
Used to live on the North side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
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