I'm originally from Seattle and Median household income is $51,290, which feels on the lower side for the area. The unemployment rate is 4.8%, which is about average. You can expect to pay around $870 for rent here. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Worth the trade-offs? The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
4 upvotes
8 Replies
Caleb Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 42, moved here 12 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Uptown, 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. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Austin, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
34 upvotes
raised_ezra68
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from San Francisco about 6 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is excellent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Landon Edwards
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
23 upvotes
Emma Brown
this is the way
22 upvotes
Waylon
lol so true
15 upvotes
sdheart2025
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 5 years. Moved from Austin for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have beaches 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 solid. 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. Nightlife is limited. Not very walkable outside downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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