Alright, Rent is about $1,122/month for a decent place. What would you do? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
3 upvotes
9 Replies
Luca Adams
I've lived in Midtown for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The safety scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Greyson M.
Bought a house here in 2023 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
35 upvotes
Santiago Ramirez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 33, moved here 12 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally decent - 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 outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Charlotte, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
34 upvotes
Brooklyn H.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
24 upvotes
Valentina
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Pine Hills. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Nolan C.
couldn't agree more
13 upvotes
Mason Lewis
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 13 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
8 upvotes
Leonardo M.
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 Raleigh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is tough - we have rivers 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 average. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Declan Watson
I'm a physical therapist and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.