OK so I'm a remote worker and Poverty rate is 5.9%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $53,295 in Republic. Median household income is $53,295, which feels on the lower side for the area. It's a a small town city with about 1,043 people. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
2 upvotes
12 Replies
Hannah Hughes
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 Salt Lake City for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. construction 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Highland schools are tough. 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. Rising rent and home prices. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Lydia M.
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
waylon_dude
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Denver about 14 years ago. The main reasons were weather and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
Oliver Watson
as a local I can confirm
29 upvotes
Bella
honestly same experience here
28 upvotes
Abigail Gomez
great question, following
23 upvotes
violet_papa
I've lived in Uptown for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- The cost of living scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
Genesis Cook
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 39, moved here 9 years ago from Denver. I've lived in South and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. 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 Denver, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
16 upvotes
Sebastian Turner
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely tough and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Highland) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
15 upvotes
Savannah Smith
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.