Hey everyone, We have two kids and It's a a small town city with about 10,732 people. You can expect to pay around $2,240 for rent here. Household incomes average around $142,750 in The Hills. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Thanks! Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
1 upvotes
15 Replies
Gabriel Ward
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Denver about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is better than expected.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Isabella W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely solid and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
40 upvotes
happy_john93
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is challenging in most areas.
38 upvotes
Noah Reed
literally same
35 upvotes
Sadie
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great seafood places. I love the pace of life here.
33 upvotes
Bennett Wilson
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
32 upvotes
Ian Foster
not my experience at all
26 upvotes
Jackson Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 34, moved here 5 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Old Town and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Bugs and humidity in summer
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Boston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
20 upvotes
Parker Mendoza
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
19 upvotes
Dominic Long
accurate
16 upvotes
Kennedy G.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
15 upvotes
quinn_local
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
10 upvotes
Gianna Foster
couldn't agree more
9 upvotes
Mateo C.
I've lived in Highland for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Four distinct seasons
- The job market scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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