Not sure if this has been asked before, but Been living here since 2013. The median home value here is around $121,800, which is actually reasonable. Average temperature is around 60--F, so the weather is moderate. You can expect to pay around $1,066 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 26.4%, which is higher than I expected. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
Pros:
- Great weather
- Nice parks and trails
- Diverse community
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons:
- Boring for young people
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homelessness issues downtown
Thoughts? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
13 upvotes
8 Replies
Matthew M.
nah I disagree
40 upvotes
Nevaeh White
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in South. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Emilia Myers
I'm a sales manager and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
35 upvotes
Ruby Kim
I've lived in Highland for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- The dating scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Nevaeh Hernandez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 10 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Vivian Brooks
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Wyatt N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 31, moved here 9 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Fairview and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
9 upvotes
Diana P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 11 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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