Hey everyone, I've been here for 20 years and Poverty rate is 13.6%, which is around average. Average temperature is around 68--F, so the weather is moderate. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Am I wrong here? Cheers.
7 upvotes
9 Replies
Robert Watson
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Old Town area are excellent. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Cooper Smith
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely average and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
40 upvotes
Isaiah Scott
literally same
33 upvotes
Isaiah Allen
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Mexican places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
28 upvotes
Quinn Garcia
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The cultural scene is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Matthew R.
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good airport with direct flights
- The dating scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
Kevin H.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
16 upvotes
Luna Anderson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Portland about 7 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Victoria
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 35, moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in West and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. hit or miss 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 Baltimore, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K 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.
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