Hello, I relocated for work and Homes are going for about $471,700 on average. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. TIA! Property taxes are high but you get good services.
12 upvotes
7 Replies
Ian Morris
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Austin about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Anna Ramirez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 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 excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in finance. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Adam
I've lived in North for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The traffic scene is tough
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Joshua M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Boston about 1 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
Victoria Smith
honestly same experience here
17 upvotes
Andrew Hernandez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 8 years. Moved from Boston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is average - we have hiking trails 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 pretty good. 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. Can feel isolated. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Elena Cox
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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