Random thought, Rent is about $932/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Does this match your experience? The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
15 upvotes
6 Replies
Weston Reed
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 7 years. Moved from Houston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - we have state parks 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 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Dating scene is rough. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
John Morris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Atlanta about 5 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
31 upvotes
sarah_native
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Lakewood area are challenging. Kids love it here.
28 upvotes
Robert Miller
Bought a house here in 2016 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
26 upvotes
Roy G.
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
19 upvotes
Jaxon E.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Sunset. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in real estate. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like sushi.
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