First post here. I'm single, late 40s, and The median home value here is around $142,600, which is actually reasonable. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
31 upvotes
14 Replies
Andrew Brown
lol so true
33 upvotes
Alice P.
as a local I can confirm
31 upvotes
Leonardo T.
Came here for work and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The nightlife is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
30 upvotes
Nova T.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Tampa it's decent.
29 upvotes
Ava Cruz
I work in real estate here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Luca Watson
great question, following
20 upvotes
Kaylee M.
hmm interesting perspective
18 upvotes
Isabella Rogers
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
15 upvotes
Victoria Mendoza
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Hudson
as a local I can confirm
12 upvotes
claire_chef
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Brenda R.
hmm interesting perspective
8 upvotes
Zoe L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 7 years. Moved from New York for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes 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 excellent. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Urban sprawl is real. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Natalie Hughes
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.