I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Thoughts? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
1 upvotes
12 Replies
Virginia A.
accurate
38 upvotes
Lily Hill
couldn't agree more
34 upvotes
Hunter Diaz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 29, moved here 7 years ago from LA. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 LA, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
29 upvotes
Skylar H.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Connor Morris
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Elizabeth Mendoza
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 1 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Charlotte Nelson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 8 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Sophia A.
I've lived in Highland for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- The cost of living scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
11 upvotes
Sophia Gray
Moved here last year, no regrets.
9 upvotes
Ann W.
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
David S.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
5 upvotes
Caroline Phillips
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Old Town) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness 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.
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