Alright, The unemployment rate is 4.6%, which is about average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
7 upvotes
15 Replies
Carson Gonzalez
Bought a house here in 2023 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone about the same since then.
35 upvotes
Isaac
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to LA it's pretty good.
35 upvotes
Bennett Lopez
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Indian places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
34 upvotes
Jameson Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Baltimore about 11 years ago. The main reasons were weather and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is excellent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Benjamin Ramirez
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
23 upvotes
Gianna
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
23 upvotes
Luca J.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Springfield area are decent. Kids love it here.
22 upvotes
Isabelle S.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- The job market scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
Jameson
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Springfield area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
19 upvotes
Jayden Campbell
Bought a house here in 2019 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
19 upvotes
Jaxon Ruiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 1 years. Moved from New York for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have lakes 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 surprisingly good. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Victoria Evans
accurate
13 upvotes
true_joshua86
accurate
12 upvotes
Kaylee B.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Chicago it's average.
3 upvotes
Jace M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely decent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
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