Anyone else feel this way? It's a a major city city with about 886K people. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Am I wrong here? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
98 upvotes
15 Replies
Katherine G.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
39 upvotes
Emily
as a local I can confirm
36 upvotes
Jonathan Jimenez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 31, moved here 14 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Pine Hills and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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
Bennett Young
yep
34 upvotes
Allison Reyes
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 Raleigh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 surprisingly 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Maverick Alvarez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
29 upvotes
Aurora N.
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The public transit is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
28 upvotes
zoey_mind
Came here for family and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The school system is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
28 upvotes
Piper Ruiz
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
Hudson Myers
I work in hospitality here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is average. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Adrian Gray
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely average and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (East) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
14 upvotes
Maya H.
big facts right here
9 upvotes
Elijah P.
great question, following
5 upvotes
Eva Parker
I've lived in North for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- The safety scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
1 upvotes
indywalker2024
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Sunset area are excellent. Kids love it here.
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