Been meaning to ask this. I'm originally from San Francisco and The unemployment rate is 0.8%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 10,013 people. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up.
14 upvotes
3 Replies
Elizabeth Green
great question, following
37 upvotes
Abigail S.
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 4 years. Moved from Austin for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - we have state parks 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 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. Winters are long and cold. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Anna Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 54, moved here 10 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Fairview and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Nashville, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
All Countries
