Hey folks, I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 0.2%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $217,000, which is actually reasonable. Rent is about $735/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $217,000 on average. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
4 upvotes
10 Replies
happy_lucy20
glad someone said it
40 upvotes
Sophia Martin
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
Sebastian W.
big facts right here
37 upvotes
Weston Ward
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely decent and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Midtown) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
33 upvotes
Robert R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in North. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in legal. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
angel_local
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 4 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
22 upvotes
Isaiah Gomez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 50, moved here 11 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Midtown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The weather situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Seattle, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
15 upvotes
Amelia Stewart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 40, moved here 7 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Eastside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.
14 upvotes
Henry Gray
I've lived in Highland for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- The nightlife scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Hailey Sanchez
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The community vibe is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
All Countries
