We have two kids and Rent is about $989/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider — Buffalo sits at 990.7 per 100K. Median household income is $48,050, which feels on the lower side for the area. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What are your go-to spots? Appreciate any input. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
8 upvotes
15 Replies
Sarah R.
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Fairview area are excellent. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Ruby Smith
+1
38 upvotes
Jace Gomez
following this thread
36 upvotes
Ava C.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Pine Hills area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
Connor R.
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone about the same since then.
28 upvotes
Elizabeth Ortiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 43, moved here 14 years ago from New York. I've lived in Highland and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. tough 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 New York, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
26 upvotes
Adeline Morgan
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Ian Ortiz
not my experience at all
23 upvotes
Emilia Sanchez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely pretty good and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Highland) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
23 upvotes
Gianna Gonzalez
literally same
21 upvotes
Natalie Rodriguez
Can confirm, been here 15 years.
15 upvotes
Nicholas Peterson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Phoenix about 10 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Bella Miller
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 9 years. Moved from Austin for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts 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 excellent. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Road conditions need improvement. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Andrew J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Tampa 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 Lakewood. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in real estate. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Southern.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Michael Foster
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
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