Curious what people think. I'm a college student here and Poverty rate is 9.7%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $100,568, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 25,434 people. The median home value here is around $306,500, which seems about average. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Appreciate any input. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
0 upvotes
24 Replies
Alexa Taylor
Saving this thread
40 upvotes
James Rivera
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 4 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Waylon Thomas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 32, moved here 2 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in East and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Chicago, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K 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.
35 upvotes
Carson Collins
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 9 years. Moved from Tampa for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 challenging. 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. Nightlife is limited. Dating scene is rough. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Robert Rogers
glad someone said it
29 upvotes
Mark A.
+1
28 upvotes
Clara Chavez
hard disagree but ok
28 upvotes
Ezra Jimenez
I'm a project manager and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Jameson E.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely average and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
24 upvotes
Everly Stewart
bump
24 upvotes
Sophie
seconding this
22 upvotes
Autumn Brown
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Leah Clark
thanks for sharing
17 upvotes
Isabella Bailey
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Willow Baker
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The pet-friendliness is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
16 upvotes
grace_chef
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely pretty good and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Uptown) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
15 upvotes
Hailey Green
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Wyatt
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much growing but now it's better than expected.
14 upvotes
Harold M.
following this thread
9 upvotes
Robert Clark
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
5 upvotes
Silas J.
big facts right here
3 upvotes
Willow L.
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
2 upvotes
Audrey Brooks
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
1 upvotes
Aurora C.
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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