Random thought, I've been here for 15 years and Crime rate is something to consider -Centerville sits at 116.6 per 100K. The median home value here is around $492,700, which is pretty steep. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Any advice would be great.
8 upvotes
14 Replies
Aubrey Hughes
I'm a pharmacist and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
Lillian C.
Bought a house here in 2015 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
31 upvotes
Isaac T.
nah I disagree
26 upvotes
Natalie
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Houston about 11 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Colton Stewart
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The public transit is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
David P.
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Santiago White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 48, moved here 10 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in East and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The traffic situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Seattle, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
15 upvotes
Kinsley Reed
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 7 years. Moved from San Francisco for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 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. Nightlife is limited. Dating scene is rough. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Piper P.
Moved here from Denver about 6 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to weather but Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Kai Ortiz
underrated comment
13 upvotes
Paisley Morris
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The weather is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
11 upvotes
Harper Torres
underrated comment
5 upvotes
Xavier Young
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 7 years. Moved from Minneapolis for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are tough. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Carter
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
All Countries
