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Maya Ortiz
moving
What to expect moving to Charlevoix?
So, Average temperature is around 46--F, so expect cold winters. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
1 upvotes
14 Replies
Roman Ward
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 12 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. 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 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is solid - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited entertainment options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Westside for 12 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. 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 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is solid - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited entertainment options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Skylar Cooper
same here
33 upvotes
Mateo Ruiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 10 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
healthcare is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are solid. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Lakewood for 10 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
healthcare is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are solid. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Anna Ramirez
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Madelyn Campbell
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
Evan Cox
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 11 years. Moved from Boston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have biking trails 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited public transit options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 11 years. Moved from Boston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have biking trails 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited public transit options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Carson Rodriguez
Totally agree!
22 upvotes
Paisley R.
hmm interesting perspective
18 upvotes
Grace Reed
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
16 upvotes
Asher Mendoza
I've lived in Riverside for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Diverse dining options
- The traffic scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Diverse dining options
- The traffic scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
14 upvotes
Lucas Rodriguez
I've lived in Lakewood for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The food scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The food scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Zoey Sanchez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from San Francisco about 6 years ago. The main reasons were work and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I'm a accountant who relocated here from San Francisco about 6 years ago. The main reasons were work and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Eva Wright
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Stella Torres
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 4 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
I've been here 4 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
3 upvotes