Hey, The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Let me know your thoughts. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
7 upvotes
27 Replies
Mateo King
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 2 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Oliver P.
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Walter M.
I'm a data analyst and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
33 upvotes
Denise N.
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
33 upvotes
Natalie Rodriguez
haha yep pretty much
33 upvotes
Carson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
32 upvotes
Weston M.
facts
32 upvotes
Roman C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 36, moved here 4 years ago from New York. I've lived in Uptown and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 New York, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
28 upvotes
savannah_mind
yeah no that's not right
28 upvotes
Rylee Ramirez
honestly same experience here
27 upvotes
Greyson T.
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
27 upvotes
Genesis
hard disagree but ok
27 upvotes
James 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 2 years. Moved from Miami for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
finance is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is average - we have ski resorts 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. Urban sprawl is real. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Levi Stewart
Moved here last year, no regrets.
23 upvotes
Ruby C.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
23 upvotes
Everett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 39, moved here 5 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Old Town and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Dallas, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
22 upvotes
Quinn S.
This.
21 upvotes
Caroline Anderson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Baltimore about 5 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- 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 growing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Ezekiel Hughes
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Midtown area are excellent. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
Ezra H.
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
15 upvotes
Allison Jimenez
I've lived in Downtown for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. 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:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- The walkability scene is decent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
9 upvotes
Naomi
glad someone said it
8 upvotes
Rylee Jackson
hmm interesting perspective
8 upvotes
Zoey Adams
I work in finance here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is pretty good. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
omaha_leah
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Mexican places. it was the best decision I ever made.
4 upvotes
Naomi Garcia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Chicago about 11 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
3 upvotes
Amelia Martinez
I'm a project manager and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
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