Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a nurse at the local hospital and It's a a small town city with about 12,642 people. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
13 upvotes
14 Replies
Natalie Cook
preach
40 upvotes
Everly Kim
Bought a house here in 2020 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
39 upvotes
Axel Edwards
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 37, moved here 5 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
35 upvotes
Barbara F.
great question, following
29 upvotes
Mackenzie Cooper
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Sarah Hughes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from LA about 8 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is excellent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
Colton Stewart
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Boston about 13 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Isabella Edwards
literally same
15 upvotes
Hudson Morris
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much competitive but now it's tough.
14 upvotes
Alice H.
seconding this
10 upvotes
Levi Thompson
preach
10 upvotes
Brielle Adams
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely excellent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Westside) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
5 upvotes
Parker Stewart
haha yep pretty much
2 upvotes
Paisley Sanders
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Portland about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is solid.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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