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milwaukee_julia living

Is Enumclaw getting better or worse?

Anyone else feel this way? I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Household incomes average around $116,563 in Enumclaw. It's a a small town city with about 12,663 people. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Any advice would be great.
12 upvotes

5 Replies

Liam Bennett
lol so true
30 upvotes
Wesley R.
following this thread
23 upvotes
Emma Turner
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.

I've been here 13 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is hit or miss.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Feel free to reach out with questions..
22 upvotes
Cora H.
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 Portland for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
construction is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have state parks 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 pretty good. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited high-paying job options. And cost of living can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Gabriella C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a data analyst, 40, moved here 4 years ago from Denver. I've lived in The Heights and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. challenging 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 Denver, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K 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.
8 upvotes
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