Curious what people think. I relocated for work and The unemployment rate is 1.2%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 7,219 people. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Anyone in a similar situation? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
10 upvotes
12 Replies
theodore_runner
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Austin it's challenging.
37 upvotes
Nicholas Y.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Seattle about 3 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is average.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Harper Mendoza
nah I disagree
32 upvotes
Isaiah T.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
30 upvotes
river_amelia94
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 8 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Robert Clark
couldn't agree more
19 upvotes
Valentina King
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Boston about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
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:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
11 upvotes
Violet Cooper
I've lived in Highland for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- The dating scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
Jessica C.
been saying this for years
5 upvotes
Jaxon Murphy
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 1 years. Moved from Chicago for weather. 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 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. real estate 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are excellent. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Bugs and humidity in summer. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Matthew Watson
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
1 upvotes
Elena Thomas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 47, moved here 8 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Sunset and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Nashville, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
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