So, Poverty rate is 4.4%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $243,500, which is actually reasonable. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
11 upvotes
4 Replies
Everly
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Portland about 8 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Anna Hall
seconding this
28 upvotes
Wesley Williams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 3 years. Moved from Austin for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Old Town 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. Rising rent and home prices. Far from beaches/mountains. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Alexa Mitchell
I've lived in Highland for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- The cost of living scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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