Alright, Military spouse here. It's a a smaller city city with about 27,764 people. The unemployment rate is 6.5%, which is concerning. Rent is about $1,599/month for a decent place. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Am I overthinking this? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up.
10 upvotes
14 Replies
Owen Phillips
I've lived in Highland for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- The school system scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Aurora R.
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much stable but now it's pretty good.
38 upvotes
Grace Ward
preach
38 upvotes
Piper Jackson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 9 years. Moved from Houston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. 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 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. 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. North schools are hit or miss. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Can feel isolated. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Maya Thomas
I've lived in Springfield for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- The traffic scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Emmett T.
I'm a marketing manager and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
21 upvotes
nycguy2024
literally same
21 upvotes
Kaylee Myers
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 12 years. Moved from Seattle for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are improving. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Dating scene is rough. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Harper Mitchell
Saving this thread
19 upvotes
Gabriel Anderson
I've lived in Midtown for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Diverse dining options
- The nightlife scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
Vivian Ramos
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The healthcare is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Nathan Morales
lol so true
12 upvotes
Richard T.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Aurora Alvarez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 12 years. Moved from Denver for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Rising rent and home prices. Road conditions need improvement. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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