Hi all, Born and raised here. The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is about average. Poverty rate is 20.8%, which is higher than I expected. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Any help is appreciated. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
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Nicholas Wilson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 4 years. Moved from Nashville for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have hiking trails 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 underrated. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited entertainment options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.