Longtime lurker here, I'm originally from Cleveland and Crime rate is something to consider -Tigerville sits at 40.8 per 100K. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What would you do? The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
15 upvotes
14 Replies
Emmett
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Portland about 13 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Addison Williams
Came here for work and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The outdoor recreation is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
39 upvotes
Aria Gutierrez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Portland it's challenging.
29 upvotes
Sophia Jones
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 37, moved here 15 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Riverside and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. hit or miss 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 Seattle, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
28 upvotes
Josiah M.
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
21 upvotes
Angel Robinson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely underrated and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
19 upvotes
Jameson K.
couldn't agree more
18 upvotes
Joseph White
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 3 years. Moved from Minneapolis for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 average. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited high-paying job options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Mia
thanks for sharing
15 upvotes
Thomas Green
underrated comment
13 upvotes
Allison Martin
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Mateo
couldn't agree more
5 upvotes
Jose C.
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 4 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to cost of living but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
2 upvotes
Weston Cox
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.