Hello, I'm a college student here and Rent is about $1,412/month for a decent place. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What would you do? Cheers. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
18 upvotes
3 Replies
sdchef2020
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 8 years. Moved from Dallas for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
construction is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - 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 excellent. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Easton Stewart
I've lived in South for about 8 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 Tampa, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- The healthcare scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
15 upvotes
Samuel W.
I work in consulting here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..