Hey, I'm single, late 20s, and The median home value here is around $830,000, which is pretty steep. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
1 upvotes
12 Replies
Gianna Howard
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Denver about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Isla Harris
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Pine Hills. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Lucy Thomas
good to know, thanks
32 upvotes
Samuel Cook
interesting, hadn't considered that
27 upvotes
Ella H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 55, moved here 7 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Eastside and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited shopping options
3. The food scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Chicago, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
26 upvotes
Madelyn
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
22 upvotes
Sarah Long
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Tampa about 2 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is pretty good.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Genesis M.
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Everett White
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 15 years. Moved from Dallas for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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 surprisingly 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Property taxes are high. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Kinsley Reed
underrated comment
5 upvotes
Victoria P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 15 years. Moved from Portland for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Sunset schools are solid. 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 shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Isla Cruz
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
All Countries
