Anyone else feel this way? I'm retired and Rent is about $1,390/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 6.9%, which is concerning. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Would love some local perspective. TIA! Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
14 upvotes
4 Replies
Sofia Brooks
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 15 years. Moved from Houston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have biking 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 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited shopping options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Henry
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely improving and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Downtown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
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