Longtime lurker here, Median household income is $79,654, which feels about average for the area. With a population of 2,270, Ault is a small town. Poverty rate is 5.9%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Has anyone dealt with this? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
6 upvotes
8 Replies
Amelia K.
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The cultural scene is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
40 upvotes
Isaiah Hall
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 6 years. Moved from Atlanta for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is solid - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Maple Ridge schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Santiago C.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Genesis M.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
23 upvotes
Wesley R.
spot on
22 upvotes
Madelyn
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 38, moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in North and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Baltimore, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K 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.
17 upvotes
Jeremiah
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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