So, The median home value here is around $113,900, which is actually reasonable. Median household income is $44,675, which feels on the lower side for the area. The unemployment rate is 4.3%, which is about average. Poverty rate is 19.0%, which is higher than I expected. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Friendly people
- Diverse community
- Strong sense of community
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Not very walkable
- Boring for young people
- Far from major airports
- Limited cultural events
What neighborhoods would you suggest? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development.
11 upvotes
10 Replies
Hudson Rogers
I've lived in Highland for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
- The public transit scene is average
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Gianna
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor recreation is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
32 upvotes
Daniel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 46, moved here 4 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Oak Park and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Charlotte, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K 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.
24 upvotes
Samantha B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 5 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
desert_jeremiah92
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
23 upvotes
Oliver Ortiz
haha yep pretty much
20 upvotes
Sara N.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Westside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Caroline H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 56, moved here 4 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in South and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Phoenix, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
12 upvotes
Jonathan K.
noted, appreciate it
12 upvotes
Paisley
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in The Heights area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
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