So, You can expect to pay around $839 for rent here. Median household income is $56,163, which feels about average for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Winona sits at 112.3 per 100K. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Any advice would be great. Thanks for reading. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
21 upvotes
23 Replies
Reagan Phillips
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The healthcare is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
39 upvotes
Everly Bennett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in legal. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Korean.
No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Samuel Parker
it depends on the neighborhood
38 upvotes
Cora
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Oak Park area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
Evelyn
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is average in most areas.
34 upvotes
Miles Mendoza
great question, following
32 upvotes
Kai Price
been saying this for years
31 upvotes
Ruby Lee
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 14 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Hudson Kim
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Nashville about 7 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Grayson Rodriguez
bump
30 upvotes
Brooklyn Davis
seconding this
24 upvotes
Sophia Ortiz
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is average in most areas.
21 upvotes
James Wilson
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. Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Julian Young
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
19 upvotes
Landon Roberts
been saying this for years
16 upvotes
Adrian J.
Totally agree!
12 upvotes
Tyler L.
following this thread
12 upvotes
Eric L.
I've lived in Highland for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- The cost of living scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
Alice K.
great question, following
11 upvotes
Amelia
wish I knew this sooner
10 upvotes
Nora H.
facts
5 upvotes
Everett Gutierrez
as a local I can confirm
3 upvotes
Eli Cook
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 4 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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