OK so The median home value here is around $272,600, which seems about average. Poverty rate is 1.6%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
15 upvotes
14 Replies
Aaliyah Parker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Baltimore about 13 years ago. The main reasons were weather and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
37 upvotes
Savannah Murphy
same here
34 upvotes
Audrey Evans
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The food scene is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Aaron R.
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The safety is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Luna Foster
I'm a electrician and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Waylon Gray
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much established but now it's average.
22 upvotes
Willow Williams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 9 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
Julian Sanders
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
20 upvotes
Leah M.
Saving this thread
17 upvotes
Aiden Cox
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely underrated and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (North) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
13 upvotes
Ruth C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 3 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Brooklyn C.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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