Anyone else feel this way? Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. The median home value here is around $212,600, which is actually reasonable. You can expect to pay around $1,203 for rent here. Poverty rate is 14.0%, which is around average. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Am I wrong here? Thanks for reading. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
15 upvotes
8 Replies
Doris G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 10 years. Moved from Minneapolis for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality 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 challenging - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are tough. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Delilah Flores
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Roman Gomez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Kai
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Portland about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is improving.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Savannah Long
exactly what I was thinking
23 upvotes
Ryan H.
I've lived in Highland for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The job market scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Hazel Rogers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Dallas about 12 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is average.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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