Hello, Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Appreciate any input.
15 upvotes
12 Replies
Greyson Alvarez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Benjamin Alvarez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 52, moved here 9 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Pine Hills and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The healthcare situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.
40 upvotes
Nathan Williams
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
38 upvotes
Stella Cook
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely excellent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
32 upvotes
Audrey Stewart
hmm interesting perspective
22 upvotes
mountain_hunter72
as a local I can confirm
21 upvotes
Nevaeh Jackson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 58, moved here 1 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in East and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Can feel isolated
3. The job market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Nashville, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K 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.
18 upvotes
Camila Nelson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
13 upvotes
Hudson Cook
hmm interesting perspective
12 upvotes
Easton Wilson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 10 years. Moved from Dallas for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is decent - 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 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. Limited public transit options. Homeless population growing downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Patrick G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely average and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (South) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.