Longtime lurker here, Median household income is $30,625, which feels on the lower side for the area. Homes are going for about $132,400 on average. The median home value here is around $132,400, which is actually reasonable. Rent is about $507/month for a decent place. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
4 upvotes
4 Replies
Adrian Sanders
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Charlotte about 15 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is solid.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Sadie Richardson
bump
34 upvotes
Emilia Jimenez
Bought a house here in 2016 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
7 upvotes
William Foster
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 14 years. Moved from Nashville for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. retail 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is decent - we have national forests 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. Limited public transit options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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