Random thought, I grew up here but left for a while. The median home value here is around $644,300, which is pretty steep. Median household income is $157,891, which feels pretty solid for the area. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
24 upvotes
7 Replies
Paisley Edwards
100%
36 upvotes
Chloe P.
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The dating scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Dominic Kelly
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 it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Westside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation 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.
32 upvotes
Everett Williams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 50, moved here 4 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Westside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited shopping options
3. The public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
31 upvotes
Brooklyn Long
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 11 years. Moved from Dallas for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Westside schools are tough. 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. Nightlife is limited. Can feel isolated. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Naomi Evans
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Phoenix it's surprisingly good.
14 upvotes
Maverick W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Boston about 14 years ago. The main reasons were work and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
All Countries
