I'm single, late 20s, and Median household income is $62,720, which feels about average for the area. Average temperature is around 69°F, so the weather is moderate. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Any advice would be great.
29 upvotes
7 Replies
Savannah P.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Dominic Lewis
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 9 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
36 upvotes
Riley Davis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 49, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Eastside and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 LA, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
34 upvotes
Nora Perez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Baltimore about 14 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Everett
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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