Random thought, I'm a 28-year-old software engineer and Homes are going for about $267,900 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. 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 not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
1 upvotes
6 Replies
Adeline T.
wish I knew this sooner
30 upvotes
Carter Gomez
Used to live on the West side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
24 upvotes
Mateo T.
this is the way
19 upvotes
Nevaeh
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Springfield. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in government. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Olivia Ortiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely solid and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Sunset) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
11 upvotes
Naomi
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 3 years. Moved from Boston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - we have ski resorts 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Bugs and humidity in summer. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.