I'm a 37-year-old restaurant manager and Crime rate is something to consider -South Charleston sits at 841.1 per 100K. It's a a small town city with about 13,594 people. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
0 upvotes
6 Replies
Hannah Richardson
I've lived in Highland for about 10 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 New York, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Diverse dining options
- The school system scene is average
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Lydia Rodriguez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
10 upvotes
urban_matthew37
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 13 years. Moved from Minneapolis for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. retail 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches 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. Limited public transit options. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Roman Ramos
big facts right here
6 upvotes
Luca
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Tampa about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
Jacob Martinez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..