Alright, The median home value here is around $308,400, which seems about average. Household incomes average around $67,469 in Woodburn. Rent is about $1,373/month for a decent place. You can expect to pay around $1,373 for rent here. Homes are going for about $308,400 on average. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Thanks! Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
14 upvotes
12 Replies
Elijah Sanders
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 6 years. Moved from Atlanta for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks 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 better than expected. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Far from beaches/mountains. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Wayne G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely decent and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Uptown) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
28 upvotes
Robert W.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Nicholas Edwards
as a local I can confirm
21 upvotes
Santiago Mitchell
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 6 years. Moved from Houston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
consulting is strong here. real estate 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are average. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Property taxes are high. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Scott P.
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
Emilia Allen
hard disagree but ok
8 upvotes
local_rylee40
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 34, moved here 11 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Pine Hills and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Boston, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
5 upvotes
Austin Martinez
good to know, thanks
5 upvotes
Evan Cox
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Eastside area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
4 upvotes
Joshua R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Chicago about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
2 upvotes
Hannah Ramos
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Meadowbrook. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in retail. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
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