2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Valdese, NC vs Highlands, NC

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Highlights
Are people in Highlands older or younger than people in Valdese?
- The Median Age in Highlands is 13.5 years older than in Valdese.

Are housing costs cheaper in Highlands or Valdese?
- Highlands housing costs are 303.7% more expensive than Valdese housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Highlands or Valdese?
- The average commute for residents of Highlands is 0.1 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Valdese.

Things to do in Valdese?
Valdese, NC is a small rural town nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It is an idyllic place to live, with its rolling hills, lush greenery, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The citizens of Valdese have a strong sense of community and take great pride in their heritage as descendants of Swiss immigrants who settled in the area during the late 19th century. The town also offers plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing and boating on Lake Rhodhiss, as well as camping, hiking, and biking in the surrounding areas. Residents enjoy an easy lifestyle with a variety of restaurants and shops along Main Street, and many events throughout the year such as Jazz Festivals, Summer Concerts in the Park and Pioneer Day Celebrations. Overall, living in Valdese is a unique experience that celebrates its history while embracing modern amenities to provide a fulfilling lifestyle for all who make it their home.

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!

 Valdese, NCHighlands, NCUnited States
 Population  Unlock1,105329,725,481
 Median Income$63,068  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock60.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$196,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.48  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Valdese    1 Reviews

Over 17 years ago

The info on your website would be much more valuable if you would disclose when it was last  More

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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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