So, We're a young couple and The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $2,348/month for a decent place. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Should I be concerned? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
6 upvotes
5 Replies
Stella Howard
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Avery Morgan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 4 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Donna L.
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Thai places. it exceeded my expectations.
17 upvotes
Aaron P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 6 years. Moved from San Diego for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are pretty good. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited entertainment options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Julian Chavez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 42, moved here 6 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Uptown and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 San Francisco, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
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