Hey everyone, Rent is about $2,082/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $130,627 in Severn. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
10 upvotes
7 Replies
Dennis A.
hard disagree but ok
18 upvotes
Gregory S.
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The housing market is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
17 upvotes
Bryan W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 37, moved here 8 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in South and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The job market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Baltimore, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
11 upvotes
Landon M.
This.
11 upvotes
Noah C.
Bought a house here in 2015 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
7 upvotes
Isaac S.
Moved here from Dallas about 13 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to school system but Hope this helps!.
3 upvotes
Santiago Y.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 15 years. Moved from Chicago for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. hospitality 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have rivers 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 underrated. 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. Winters are long and cold. Bugs and humidity in summer. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.