Military spouse here. Homes are going for about $255,400 on average. Household incomes average around $61,191 in Oakwood. Average temperature is around 61--F, so the weather is moderate. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Thanks for reading. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
11 upvotes
7 Replies
John B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 4 years. Moved from Denver for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is solid - we have beaches 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. Limited public transit options. Rising rent and home prices. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Aaliyah B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 24, moved here 4 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in South and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Raleigh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
30 upvotes
Charlotte Rodriguez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
26 upvotes
Carson G.
I'm a lawyer and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
20 upvotes
Cooper Martin
I work in manufacturing here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is average. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
cool_angel66
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
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