OK so I've been here for 3 years and The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $713,000, which is pretty steep. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Am I overthinking this? Looking forward to hearing from you all. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
2 upvotes
25 Replies
Cynthia L.
I've lived in Fairview for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The public transit scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Ruby Lee
spot on
37 upvotes
Robert
literally same
33 upvotes
Elena W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Miami about 8 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
Luca S.
been saying this for years
24 upvotes
Bennett Watson
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The traffic is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
24 upvotes
Grace
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Boston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is tough.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
kai_soul
100%
22 upvotes
Chloe Morgan
couldn't agree more
22 upvotes
Declan M.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
22 upvotes
Aaliyah N.
Totally agree!
21 upvotes
Sadie
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from LA about 3 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Paisley Hill
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
19 upvotes
Julia Campbell
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Downtown area are improving. Kids love it here.
17 upvotes
Joseph Lee
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
dallasheart2020
seconding this
14 upvotes
Leonardo Price
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
13 upvotes
Naomi Green
hmm interesting perspective
13 upvotes
local_jonathan36
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
10 upvotes
angel_chef
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Westside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
9 upvotes
Serenity
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 5 years. Moved from Baltimore for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have rivers 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 underrated. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Homeless population growing downtown. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
mia_vibes
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely solid and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Fairview) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
4 upvotes
Josiah Diaz
thanks for sharing
3 upvotes
Anna M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 10 years. Moved from Seattle for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches 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 improving. 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. Winters are long and cold. Not very walkable outside downtown. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
David Martinez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Austin about 12 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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