So, Born and raised here. Median household income is $35,527, which feels on the lower side for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Calhoun Falls sits at 732.2 per 100K. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Any advice would be great. Looking forward to hearing from you all. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
12 upvotes
7 Replies
Grace T.
hmm interesting perspective
37 upvotes
Kai J.
great question, following
33 upvotes
Weston Hughes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 43, moved here 5 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Midtown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Nashville, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
32 upvotes
Adam Baker
glad someone said it
31 upvotes
Ryan Davis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 57, moved here 6 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in The Heights and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Dallas, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
25 upvotes
Audrey
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good airport with direct flights
- The food scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Amelia Brown
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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