Longtime lurker here, What would you do? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
29 upvotes
12 Replies
Sarah R.
underrated comment
39 upvotes
Alice Robinson
yep
37 upvotes
Skylar H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from San Diego about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is average.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Emilia Brooks
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
33 upvotes
columbus_eleanor
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 13 years. Moved from LA for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. construction 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have biking 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 challenging. 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 public transit options. Far from beaches/mountains. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Bella Reed
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Lakewood area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Jordan Roberts
seconding this
26 upvotes
Jacob Martinez
seconding this
23 upvotes
Aaron Watson
as a local I can confirm
16 upvotes
Axel
Moved here from Portland about 10 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to traffic but Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Jaxon Gonzalez
I've lived in South for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The community vibe scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Isabelle Ruiz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in real estate. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
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