So, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and The unemployment rate is 6.0%, which is about average. It's a a small town city with about 8,369 people. The median home value here is around $242,600, which is actually reasonable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
0 upvotes
9 Replies
Quinn Carter
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 4 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into running, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Lucas Scott
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The job market is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
26 upvotes
Emmett E.
I've lived in Highland for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
- The public transit scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
mesalife2025
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 10 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is improving.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Hunter Hughes
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Greenfield. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in real estate. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like sushi.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Elijah Williams
I've lived in Oak Park for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The walkability scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
12 upvotes
Ezekiel Sanders
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
7 upvotes
Willow Wright
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The school system is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
7 upvotes
Ariana Rivera
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 2 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
