Curious what people think. My family moved here when I was a kid. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What are your go-to spots? Looking forward to hearing from you all. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
8 upvotes
2 Replies
Sophia Peterson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 52, moved here 9 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for couples. challenging 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 Minneapolis, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K 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.
34 upvotes
Michael Watson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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