OK so Median household income is $35,613, which feels on the lower side for the area. Poverty rate is 29.6%, which is higher than I expected. Rent is about $745/month for a decent place. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Am I overthinking this? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
3 upvotes
8 Replies
Elijah Sanders
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 13 years. Moved from Nashville for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. North 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. Rising rent and home prices. Can feel isolated. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Claire Garcia
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is average in most areas.
35 upvotes
Roger M.
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much pricey but now it's hit or miss.
27 upvotes
Ezekiel Sanchez
I've lived in Highland for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The food scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
Christian M.
not my experience at all
24 upvotes
Sophia Jones
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Minneapolis it's underrated.
23 upvotes
proud_gabriella57
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely excellent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
All Countries
