The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which is about average. Homes are going for about $119,800 on average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. What are your go-to spots? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
13 upvotes
2 Replies
Eleanor Clark
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Meadowbrook. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in retail. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Maverick Gray
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 48, moved here 3 years ago from Boston. I've lived in North and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Boston, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
All Countries
