Hey folks, The median home value here is around $146,700, which is actually reasonable. With a population of 12,322, Baker is a small town. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Would love some local perspective. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
3 upvotes
6 Replies
Elizabeth Gutierrez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 57, moved here 9 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Riverside and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Chicago, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
29 upvotes
Jose O.
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
- The weather scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Nathan Thomas
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Riverside. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Adam Diaz
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
Eli Kelly
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Charlotte about 11 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Greyson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is decent in most areas.
All Countries
