Hey, Born and raised here. Median household income is $56,344, which feels about average for the area. Homes are going for about $150,200 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Any advice would be great. Thanks in advance! I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Isabelle Baker
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much established but now it's tough.
39 upvotes
phoenixkid2021
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from San Diego about 8 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is tough.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Joshua W.
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Benjamin R.
glad someone said it
37 upvotes
Gabriella
following this thread
36 upvotes
Noah Roberts
accurate
29 upvotes
Elena R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 10 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks 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 better than expected. 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. Urban sprawl is real. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Elizabeth Williams
not my experience at all
24 upvotes
Roman Flores
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
21 upvotes
Melanie R.
big facts right here
21 upvotes
Gabriella
following this thread
19 upvotes
Lori G.
Bought a house here in 2015 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
16 upvotes
Sophia Johnson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
12 upvotes
Serenity
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from San Francisco about 7 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
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