Not sure if this has been asked before, but Average temperature is around 57--F, so the weather is moderate. Poverty rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 4,177 people. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Should I be concerned? The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
12 upvotes
3 Replies
Bennett Wilson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 30, moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - 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 cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. pretty good 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 San Francisco, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
17 upvotes
John H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 8 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
11 upvotes
Everett White
Moved here from Miami about 10 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to housing market but Feel free to reach out with questions..
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