Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm retired and The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 17,162 people. Household incomes average around $73,438 in Upper Grand Lagoon. Median household income is $73,438, which feels about average for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Worth the trade-offs? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
6 upvotes
11 Replies
Axel Williams
great question, following
38 upvotes
desert_declan41
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Christian W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 1 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2020 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited shopping options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Joshua Morgan
seconding this
32 upvotes
Skylar
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely solid and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Fairview) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
30 upvotes
Henry Rivera
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Westside. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in government. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Thai.
No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Everly Phillips
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 2 years. Moved from Chicago for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - we have beaches 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 surprisingly good. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited entertainment options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Mia M.
good to know, thanks
21 upvotes
Dylan Martinez
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
17 upvotes
Noah Brown
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Seattle about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Definitely worth checking out..
14 upvotes
Emilia W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 34, moved here 10 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Downtown and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Portland, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K 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.
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