Hey everyone, Rent is about $1,002/month for a decent place. With a population of 3,504, Midway is a small town. Poverty rate is 19.6%, which is higher than I expected. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Thoughts? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
6 upvotes
3 Replies
Gianna Cox
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
35 upvotes
Elijah Davis
yep
6 upvotes
Dominic Hill
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from Baltimore for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering 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's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have national forests 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 pretty 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. Limited public transit options. Limited shopping options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.