Not sure if this has been asked before, but Poverty rate is 18.7%, which is higher than I expected. Thoughts? Thanks!
8 upvotes
7 Replies
Elena Harris
I'm a chef and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
grace_kid
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The walkability scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
claire_chef
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Mediterranean places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
20 upvotes
Alice
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Zoey Rodriguez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 36, moved here 10 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in South and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K 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.
18 upvotes
Hannah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 44, moved here 7 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Riverside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
14 upvotes
raised_hailey87
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Westside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in real estate. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.