OK so I'm originally from Houston and Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $1,710/month for a decent place. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Does this match your experience? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Christine F.
100%
36 upvotes
Bella A.
it depends on the neighborhood
30 upvotes
Clara S.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Nashville about 13 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is underrated.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
cool_owen65
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 53, moved here 4 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Midtown and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for young professionals. 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
29 upvotes
real_ruby35
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Isla
literally same
22 upvotes
Alan R.
noted, appreciate it
21 upvotes
Jose Watson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 4 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Isla H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 31, moved here 13 years ago from Houston. I've lived in West and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The traffic situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Houston, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
10 upvotes
Ryan James
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
benjamin_runner
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in South. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in real estate. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
5 upvotes
Ezekiel Ramos
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 4 years. Moved from Nashville for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
finance is strong here. construction 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's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have lakes 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 decent. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited high-paying job options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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