I have been lurking in Permies for a while, but wanted to say a couple of things here. First, I have highbush cranberries. I don't live in the same area as you do, though.
Highbush cranberries are similar in some ways to actual cranberries, but it's pretty limited in that regard. They're softer and jucier, more so than the dry, hollowish insides of a standard cranberry. I think they taste more like cranberry juice than like cranberries themselves.
I've never liked them off the bush, but I do like them as juice and jelly. They're sour and have a slight bitterness, but not unpalatable. I may have a really good kind, though, as I understand that some are better than others.
In all, I find them good for processing. If I made wine they would be one of the first things I tried. They make good juice, especially if you blend it with other stuff. It makes good jelly. Birds like them. I think they're quite good for you.
Finally, for growing them, they like icky ground. Mine grow at the edges of a literal bog, so I would guess they like wet, acidic soil. Its the only place they grow on my
land, so that would be what I recommend. Good luck, I hope this was at least slightly helpful!