Hi all, I'm a teacher here and With a population of 82,632, Cranston is a smaller city. The median home value here is around $348,800, which seems about average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
7 upvotes
14 Replies
Jeremy R.
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- The job market scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Isaac
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The cultural scene is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
tucson_allison
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 2 years. Moved from Denver for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. finance 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are hit or miss. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Homeless population growing downtown. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Kinsley R.
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Korean places. it's been a really good experience overall.
36 upvotes
Josiah C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Sunset. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
dc_jose
accurate
31 upvotes
Levi Flores
I've lived in Westside for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
- The school system scene is improving
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Willow Foster
Can confirm, been here 3 years.
29 upvotes
Arianna Cruz
not my experience at all
27 upvotes
Riley Miller
honestly same experience here
17 upvotes
Stella Taylor
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Jameson Hughes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 13 years. Moved from Austin for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are better than expected. 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 entertainment options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
