Random thought, Been living here since 2020. Poverty rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What would you do? The food scene here is surprisingly good.
41 upvotes
12 Replies
Leah T.
honestly same experience here
39 upvotes
Cameron Diaz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely excellent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
29 upvotes
Leo Cooper
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 11 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Eugene B.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Seattle about 9 years ago. The main reasons were work and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Mason J.
interesting, hadn't considered that
18 upvotes
Jeremiah J.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- The job market scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
17 upvotes
Caroline H.
I'm a accountant and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
16 upvotes
Ralph S.
Came here for quality of life and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The dating scene is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
9 upvotes
Madeline White
not my experience at all
7 upvotes
Colton Wood
I work in healthcare here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
4 upvotes
Jerry C.
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 5 years. Moved from Atlanta for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 challenging. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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