First post here. I'm originally from Orlando and Crime rate is something to consider -Owensboro sits at 224.6 per 100K. Rent is about $900/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Is this normal for Owensboro? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
15 upvotes
17 Replies
Jackson K.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much manageable but now it's hit or miss.
35 upvotes
Madison H.
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
33 upvotes
Hailey Williams
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Clara Evans
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Houston about 1 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Anna Mitchell
interesting, hadn't considered that
25 upvotes
Janet T.
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Lakewood area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
25 upvotes
evelyn_papa
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much developing but now it's decent.
25 upvotes
Jameson Cox
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Highland area are challenging. Kids love it here.
15 upvotes
Brandon 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 14 years. Moved from LA for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 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:**
engineering is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited shopping options. And school system 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.
14 upvotes
Declan Nelson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
9 upvotes
Mackenzie
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Thai places. it exceeded my expectations.
8 upvotes
Natalie C.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The healthcare is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
6 upvotes
Theresa G.
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much developing but now it's challenging.
3 upvotes
Levi Cruz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in West. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in tech. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
1 upvotes
Sebastian Baker
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in North area are average. Kids love it here.
1 upvotes
Emilia Campbell
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
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