Longtime lurker here, It's a a small town city with about 12,992 people. The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,216/month for a decent place. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Worth the trade-offs? The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to.
10 upvotes
15 Replies
Emmett King
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from New York about 15 years ago. The main reasons were work and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Cora Bennett
Moved here from Charlotte about 4 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to school system but No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
jayden_life
I'm a sales manager and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Ruby
spot on
30 upvotes
Piper Torres
great question, following
30 upvotes
Harper S.
not my experience at all
30 upvotes
Asher
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is underrated in most areas.
22 upvotes
Ashley M.
Bought a house here in 2024 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
20 upvotes
Julian Bailey
I've lived in East for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The healthcare scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Melanie C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Springfield. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in legal. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Peyton K.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is solid in most areas.
14 upvotes
Owen Long
interesting, hadn't considered that
14 upvotes
Angel C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 11 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
consulting is strong here. retail 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have hiking 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 hit or miss. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Limited entertainment options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Nicholas Martinez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Charlotte about 2 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
All Countries
