Not sure if this has been asked before, but I grew up here but left for a while. Household incomes average around $66,966 in Edgard. Crime rate is something to consider -Edgard sits at 518.9 per 100K. Average temperature is around 69--F, so the weather is moderate. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Worth the trade-offs? Looking forward to hearing from you all. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up.
8 upvotes
13 Replies
Silas Thomas
Saving this thread
37 upvotes
sofia_soul
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 54, moved here 14 years ago from Portland. I've lived in West and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. 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 Portland, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
33 upvotes
Hudson
couldn't agree more
25 upvotes
sacramento_olivia
wish I knew this sooner
19 upvotes
Levi Sanchez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 10 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Oliver Roberts
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 3 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Everett S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 56, moved here 3 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Maple Ridge and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Denver, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K 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.
11 upvotes
mountain_alexander77
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Dallas about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
7 upvotes
Violet Ramos
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely excellent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (East) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
7 upvotes
William Rivera
bump
5 upvotes
Emma Jimenez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 5 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
4 upvotes
Harper Walker
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great seafood places. it was the best decision I ever made.
3 upvotes
Valentina Morris
Moved here from Seattle about 14 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to walkability but It's not for everyone but it works for us..