Random thought, You can expect to pay around $1,557 for rent here. The median home value here is around $350,800, which seems about average. Median household income is $91,112, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 39,021 people. Homes are going for about $350,800 on average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Let me know your thoughts. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
24 upvotes
22 Replies
Owen Diaz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely decent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (East) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
38 upvotes
Jayden Ward
not my experience at all
35 upvotes
Lydia Mendoza
yeah no that's not right
35 upvotes
Clara T.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Oak Park. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in legal. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Hope this helps!.
32 upvotes
Melanie Rogers
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 7 years. Moved from Boston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks 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 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not very walkable outside downtown. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Sadie S.
thanks for sharing
31 upvotes
Melanie Chavez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 3 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Henry Phillips
glad someone said it
29 upvotes
Avery C.
I'm a sales manager and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
jackson_local
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Hunter Johnson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Phoenix about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
Alexa Murphy
it depends on the neighborhood
26 upvotes
Willow Cook
yep
25 upvotes
Riley B.
I've lived in Greenfield for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The school system scene is decent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Eugene B.
I work in construction here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is excellent. Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
Allison Richardson
I work in marketing here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is average. Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
oakland_cameron
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
17 upvotes
Sofia Clark
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 40, moved here 14 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Riverside and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. excellent 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 Boston, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K 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.
15 upvotes
sacramento_brielle
great question, following
13 upvotes
Vivian T.
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
12 upvotes
Kai L.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
5 upvotes
Bennett
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
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