Hey, Military spouse here. With a population of 13,054, Claremont is a small town. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Should I be concerned? Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
3 upvotes
15 Replies
Grayson M.
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
40 upvotes
Connor Edwards
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 2 years. Moved from San Francisco for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. construction 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have ski resorts 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. Limited high-paying job options. Road conditions need improvement. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Alice
bump
37 upvotes
Chloe B.
Bought a house here in 2016 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
36 upvotes
Liam
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The safety is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
26 upvotes
Daniel Ramos
bump
21 upvotes
Delilah
haha yep pretty much
21 upvotes
Mason Rogers
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much competitive but now it's decent.
18 upvotes
Wesley Morales
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great sushi places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
18 upvotes
Larry R.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
- The outdoor recreation scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Valentina
following this thread
16 upvotes
ellie_living
facts
15 upvotes
Claire K.
wish I knew this sooner
9 upvotes
Jose C.
underrated comment
5 upvotes
Nova
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 45, moved here 14 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Riverside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
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