Hey folks, I'm a teacher here and The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $3,501 for rent here. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
0 upvotes
11 Replies
Asher Hernandez
Came here for work and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The walkability is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
39 upvotes
Nathan Rodriguez
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 Raleigh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking trails 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Winters are long and cold. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Jeremiah Myers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 56, moved here 2 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in West and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. tough 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 Phoenix, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
29 upvotes
Jack C.
I'm a nurse and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
Melanie Hernandez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Chicago it's surprisingly good.
17 upvotes
everly_native
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
Maya H.
hard disagree but ok
13 upvotes
Lucy Diaz
Moved here from Minneapolis about 14 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to dating scene but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
9 upvotes
Landon L.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
indy_grayson
big facts right here
2 upvotes
Bennett Murphy
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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