We have two kids and Homes are going for about $286,200 on average. It's a a smaller city city with about 58,418 people. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $60,852, which feels about average for the area. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Thoughts? The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
19 upvotes
4 Replies
Ethan R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 14 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Nolan Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 57, moved here 8 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The community vibe situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Baltimore, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
18 upvotes
Nicholas Thomas
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
13 upvotes
Samuel Turner
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 Raleigh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have rivers 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 excellent. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, 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.
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