OK so Been living here since 2024. Poverty rate is 7.4%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $105,286, which feels pretty solid for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -San Marcos sits at 195.7 per 100K. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
10 upvotes
12 Replies
Ezra Evans
bump
35 upvotes
Lily Rodriguez
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Dominic Stewart
I'm a project manager and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Clara Jackson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 1 years. Moved from Baltimore for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts 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 challenging. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Far from beaches/mountains. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
raleighchef2023
same here
26 upvotes
Claire Young
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 7 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
19 upvotes
Piper Gutierrez
I've lived in Riverside for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The safety scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
coastal_vivian95
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 9 years. Moved from Raleigh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2018 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Fairview schools are challenging. 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. Property taxes are high. Bugs and humidity in summer. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Jack Carter
Moved here last year, no regrets.
13 upvotes
Jackson J.
Moved here from LA about 4 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to school system but Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Bella
spot on
7 upvotes
Katherine Rivera
I've lived in Lakewood for about 11 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 Pittsburgh, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
- The housing market scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
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