Thinking about relocating to Columbia from Chicago
Hi all, I'm a teacher here and You can expect to pay around $1,158 for rent here. Average temperature is around 65°F, so the weather is moderate. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Has anyone dealt with this? TIA! Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
15 upvotes
6 Replies
nycnative2020
Totally agree!
33 upvotes
chicago_aria
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 San Francisco for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2020 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have mountains 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 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. Urban sprawl is real. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Jameson Ortiz
This.
25 upvotes
Reagan Wilson
great question, following
24 upvotes
Julia
Moved here from New York about 2 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to cost of living but No regrets on my end..
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