Hi all, Poverty rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
7 upvotes
4 Replies
Adam Nelson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 13 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Kai A.
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much manageable but now it's pretty good.
13 upvotes
aaliyah_life
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 53, moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Old Town and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The dating scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for singles. pretty good 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 San Francisco, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
12 upvotes
miamichef2024
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.