Been meaning to ask this. We have two kids and Homes are going for about $76,700 on average. Poverty rate is 21.8%, which is higher than I expected. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Thanks in advance! Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
11 upvotes
7 Replies
Mason R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely excellent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
38 upvotes
Xavier Ruiz
not my experience at all
33 upvotes
Nathan Stewart
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 9 years. Moved from Minneapolis for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. 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 challenging. 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. Property taxes are high. Road conditions need improvement. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Emily Nelson
glad someone said it
30 upvotes
Hannah
I've lived in Sunset for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- The job market scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Eva Young
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much manageable but now it's underrated.