Hey folks, Rent is about $1,153/month for a decent place. The suburbs are where most families end up.
10 upvotes
15 Replies
luca_rider
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in West area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
39 upvotes
Ian Sanders
noted, appreciate it
39 upvotes
Madelyn Cook
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Thai places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
37 upvotes
Michael Watson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
30 upvotes
Ryan Peterson
nah I disagree
28 upvotes
Maverick Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 46, moved here 12 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in South and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Atlanta, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
27 upvotes
Samuel Kelly
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 15 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. tech 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 love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have rivers 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 improving. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Road conditions need improvement. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Jack
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely excellent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
22 upvotes
Rylee Ruiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 6 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Sophia Hernandez
Bought a house here in 2018 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
19 upvotes
Autumn T.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
17 upvotes
Willow Bennett
Moved here from San Francisco about 8 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to healthcare but Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
real_liam44
I'm a sales manager and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
14 upvotes
Colton L.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
13 upvotes
Caleb
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.