I grew up here but left for a while. Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. Homes are going for about $170,900 on average. Median household income is $54,643, which feels on the lower side for the area. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Any advice would be great. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
29 upvotes
9 Replies
Christine G.
following this thread
39 upvotes
Wyatt M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 31, moved here 13 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The nightlife situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Baltimore, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
39 upvotes
Ian T.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Meadowbrook area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
36 upvotes
Ezra Allen
I work in construction here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is pretty good. Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Aurora Parker
interesting, hadn't considered that
17 upvotes
Kaylee M.
bump
14 upvotes
Frank W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Minneapolis about 4 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
Jace Green
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from Baltimore for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. hospitality 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Highland 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Arianna W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 45, moved here 6 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Pine Hills and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Denver, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K 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.
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