Been meaning to ask this. I'm a teacher here and Let me know your thoughts. Any help is appreciated.
2 upvotes
12 Replies
Joan N.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely average and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Eastside) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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
Kayden S.
I've lived in Highland for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The safety scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Adeline Ortiz
Saving this thread
25 upvotes
Kaylee R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
25 upvotes
Bruce C.
glad someone said it
23 upvotes
Austin Anderson
Bought a house here in 2018 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
22 upvotes
David M.
facts
16 upvotes
Scarlett Hill
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 15 years. Moved from Dallas for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. tech 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. Old Town 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. Limited public transit options. Limited shopping options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Eliana Murphy
spot on
11 upvotes
Nolan Gray
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
8 upvotes
Grace
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Sunset area are average. Kids love it here.