We have two kids and With a population of 69,926, St. Cloud is a smaller city. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
17 upvotes
7 Replies
Connor M.
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Lakewood area are solid. Kids love it here.
32 upvotes
Hannah Richardson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 10 years. Moved from Phoenix for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is solid - we have state parks 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. Urban sprawl is real. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Jeremiah S.
interesting, hadn't considered that
29 upvotes
madelyn_mind
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Carolyn H.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Nashville it's surprisingly good.
17 upvotes
Natalie Moore
Can confirm, been here 11 years.
16 upvotes
Madeline
I've lived in Old Town for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The traffic scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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