So, I work in healthcare and With a population of 13,694, Cheval is a small town. Household incomes average around $92,095 in Cheval. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
8 upvotes
7 Replies
Josiah Evans
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Anna Ross
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 14 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
philly_eliana
literally same
33 upvotes
Easton M.
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
- The housing market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
16 upvotes
Peter L.
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
15 upvotes
detroit_victoria
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 35, moved here 7 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in South and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The healthcare situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Raleigh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
9 upvotes
Hudson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Uptown. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in real estate. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
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