2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Highlands, NC vs Decorah, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Decorah older or younger than people in Highlands?
- The Median Age in Decorah is 26.1 years younger than in Highlands.

Are housing costs cheaper in Decorah or Highlands?
- Decorah housing costs are 69.2% less expensive than Highlands housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Decorah or Highlands?
- The average commute for residents of Decorah is 7.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Highlands.

Things to do in Highlands?
Living in Highlands, NC is an absolute dream. With its charming downtown area and breathtaking mountain views, it's easy to see why so many people choose to call this small town home. The community is incredibly welcoming and it's not hard to make friends or find a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area. There are plenty of outdoor activities perfect for all ages, from hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to picturesque lakes for fishing and swimming. Residents also enjoy a range of excellent restaurants, boutique shops, galleries, and festivals throughout the year. All in all, Highlands is a wonderful place to call home!

Things to do in Decorah?
Living in Decorah, IA is an exciting and unique experience. The town is full of friendly people, charming architecture, and diverse culture. It offers plenty of outdoor activities like hiking or biking through the nearby trails and hills, fishing in the Upper Iowa River, or exploring the local caves. There are also great restaurants and breweries where you can enjoy a variety of delicious food and drinks. The downtown area is bustling with quaint shops offering handmade gifts and art pieces. Decorah also hosts several annual festivals such as the Nordic Fest, Trout Run Music Festival, and Winterfest that celebrate local heritage, music, and art. With its peaceful atmosphere and many attractions, living in Decorah is a truly enjoyable experience!

 Highlands, NCDecorah, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock7,767329,725,481
 Median Income$52,070  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$794,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.36  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Highlands    4 Reviews

Love BestPlaces, but most of their statistics are incorrect for the actual town of Highlands which is extremely expensive. I assume they are using information from Macon  More

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Over 4 years ago

This used to be a quaint, quiet, sweet little town, but it has ballooned into a rich man's Mecca. Fist of all, it's a tiny town... so parking is at a premium and it gets  More

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Over 14 years ago

I have run two businesses in Highlands. It is a very seasonal business trend. The rents are high and so is the cost of doing business, including labor cost, cost of  More

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Reviews for Decorah    3 Reviews

ridiculously expensive housing for such a small town. The wages in the town do not even remotely compensate for the high cost of housing. Average housing prices start  More

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Over 15 years ago

I have been a resident of Decorah, IA for 26 years. Decorah is located in the northeast corner of Iowa. When we entertain out of town guests they always comment how  More

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Over 15 years ago

This college has the most extensive music program of any liberal arts college around, has a strong connection to public radio, and Decorah is reputed to be a lovely  More

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