It's a a small town city with about 14,518 people. You can expect to pay around $1,493 for rent here. Poverty rate is 8.7%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Middlesex sits at 79.3 per 100K. Rent is about $1,493/month for a decent place. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
Pros:
- Great weather
- Close to nature
- Strong sense of community
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events
Cons:
- Rising rent prices
- High property taxes
- Boring for young people
Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
7 upvotes
14 Replies
Valentina Richardson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely challenging and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
36 upvotes
Abigail
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 9 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. legal 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 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. Limited public transit options. Homeless population growing downtown. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
David J.
lol so true
33 upvotes
Nova Richardson
Bought a house here in 2015 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone about the same since then.
28 upvotes
Isabella
literally same
27 upvotes
Roger A.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Downtown. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Madeline C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 25, moved here 9 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Westside and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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
Addison R.
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in The Heights area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
15 upvotes
Nevaeh Thomas
preach
8 upvotes
Michael Morgan
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
5 upvotes
Audrey Price
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Old Town area are decent. Kids love it here.
4 upvotes
Kinsley Green
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 32, moved here 1 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Sunset and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. excellent 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 San Diego, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
2 upvotes
Raymond A.
Used to live on the West side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
2 upvotes
Theodore Moore
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Uptown. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in tech. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Thai.
All Countries
