Been meaning to ask this. Rent is about $2,252/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $116,945, which feels pretty solid for the area. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Great weather
- Growing food scene
- Close to nature
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons:
- Cold winters
- Limited nightlife
- High property taxes
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homelessness issues downtown
What neighborhoods would you suggest? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
55 upvotes
26 Replies
dc_christian
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 Austin for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2022 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - 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 underrated. 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. Can feel isolated. Dating scene is rough. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, 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.
33 upvotes
Melanie Reed
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Raleigh about 9 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
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 hit or miss.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
Nathan Jones
honestly same experience here
31 upvotes
Gabriel Cook
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 15 years. Moved from Portland for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is solid - we have desert landscapes 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 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. Road conditions need improvement. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Adrian
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great farm-to-table places. it's been a really good experience overall.
30 upvotes
Joshua Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 6 years. Moved from LA for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. engineering 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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 average. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Road conditions need improvement. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Logan Nguyen
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Fairview area are improving. Kids love it here.
29 upvotes
Hazel Ross
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
28 upvotes
Grayson M.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to LA it's tough.
26 upvotes
Aaliyah Johnson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 13 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Jeremiah N.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
23 upvotes
Caleb Reyes
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
Lily Rodriguez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 11 years. Moved from Dallas for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. 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 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 pretty 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. Winters are long and cold. Rising rent and home prices. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Ryan Hughes
nah I disagree
20 upvotes
Jonathan Stewart
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Italian places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
20 upvotes
Kathryn H.
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
19 upvotes
Eva Perez
not my experience at all
19 upvotes
Jaxon E.
Saving this thread
18 upvotes
Melanie Edwards
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much growing but now it's solid.
16 upvotes
Lucas H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 2 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
David R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 9 years. Moved from Seattle for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2024 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. real estate 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 have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside 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. Rising rent and home prices. Far from beaches/mountains. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
urban_elijah93
underrated comment
10 upvotes
Christian Wright
couldn't agree more
9 upvotes
Elijah Kelly
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in The Heights area are underrated. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
sfguy2026
Moved here from San Francisco about 12 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to cost of living but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
Henry Campbell
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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