Hey everyone, I grew up here but left for a while. You can expect to pay around $1,734 for rent here. With a population of 53,082, Westchester is a smaller city. Median household income is $75,905, which feels about average for the area. The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What are your go-to spots? Thanks in advance! There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to.
18 upvotes
16 Replies
Scarlett Morales
glad someone said it
40 upvotes
Isaac Ward
thanks for sharing
36 upvotes
Kathryn L.
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Brenda M.
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
32 upvotes
Eliana Mitchell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 10 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Josiah R.
+1
28 upvotes
Kennedy Rodriguez
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
28 upvotes
Leah Bennett
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
23 upvotes
Grace Bennett
Moved here from San Francisco about 6 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to community vibe but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Santiago Foster
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great BBQ places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
17 upvotes
Elijah Jackson
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
9 upvotes
Luca Rogers
hmm interesting perspective
9 upvotes
Valentina Wood
I've lived in East for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
- The job market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
5 upvotes
Nathan Chavez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is improving in most areas.
4 upvotes
Violet Cook
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 12 years. Moved from Raleigh for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. construction 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have lakes 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 hit or miss. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Property taxes are high. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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