Longtime lurker here, My family moved here when I was a kid. Poverty rate is 14.6%, which is around average. The unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is about average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Worth the trade-offs? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
24 upvotes
20 Replies
Everett Parker
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 Austin for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2015 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. manufacturing 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes 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 tough. 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited entertainment options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Nicholas Hughes
thanks for sharing
37 upvotes
Evan Young
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
34 upvotes
Adam S.
nah I disagree
31 upvotes
Isla White
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 5 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Hazel P.
Can confirm, been here 3 years.
30 upvotes
Rylee Robinson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
27 upvotes
Owen T.
Came here for family and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The housing market is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
26 upvotes
indypapa2026
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- The walkability scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Ruby Carter
preach
26 upvotes
Ella Reed
I'm a pharmacist and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is average and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
Allison Price
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 27, moved here 13 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Westside and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 San Diego, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
17 upvotes
proud_joseph53
Moved here from Phoenix about 8 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to weather but No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Ruby B.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Uptown. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
detroit_angel
Bought a house here in 2016 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone about the same since then.
16 upvotes
Declan Morgan
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great BBQ places. it was the best decision I ever made.
13 upvotes
savannah_kid
facts
12 upvotes
Nolan Kim
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Brooklyn
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
4 upvotes
Adeline Lewis
I'm a project manager and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is average and there's always something going on.
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