Hey, I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $126,767, which feels pretty solid for the area. Household incomes average around $126,767 in Evans. Average temperature is around 64--F, so the weather is moderate. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Good schools
- Lots of new development
- Strong sense of community
Cons:
- Limited public transit
- Not very walkable
- Limited cultural events
Would love some local perspective. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
0 upvotes
14 Replies
Olivia Jackson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
33 upvotes
Jose Peterson
Came here for quality of life and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The cost of living is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Mateo P.
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 10 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to traffic but Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Easton P.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
Asher J.
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 1 years. Moved from San Francisco for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes 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 decent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Far from beaches/mountains. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Jameson Miller
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
27 upvotes
Genesis B.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
27 upvotes
Madelyn Reyes
big facts right here
23 upvotes
Kai Walker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
12 upvotes
Genesis Flores
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 48, moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Lakewood and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The public transit situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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
Emmett Gonzalez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from San Francisco about 1 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is improving.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Delilah Scott
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Atlanta about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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