Hi all, The median home value here is around $752,000, which is pretty steep. Poverty rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Any advice would be great. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
12 upvotes
12 Replies
Hannah Brooks
This.
39 upvotes
Oliver Walker
yeah no that's not right
31 upvotes
Nolan Morris
accurate
31 upvotes
Julia C.
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Pine Hills area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
29 upvotes
Mason Price
same here
28 upvotes
Aurora Ramirez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from LA about 2 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Roman Price
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 51, moved here 1 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Greenfield and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 San Francisco, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
24 upvotes
Kathryn W.
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 Boston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. legal 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is solid - we have national forests 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 underrated. 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. Property taxes are high. Bugs and humidity in summer. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Theresa N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 36, moved here 12 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Old Town and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Raleigh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K 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.
22 upvotes
Brenda H.
I'm a real estate agent and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
11 upvotes
Charlotte Chavez
wish I knew this sooner
9 upvotes
Hazel
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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