OK so I'm retired and Homes are going for about $558,500 on average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Any advice would be great. Thanks in advance! The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
60 upvotes
9 Replies
Silas Scott
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 6 years. Moved from New York for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. real estate 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. South schools are average. 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. Dating scene is rough. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
William Miller
not my experience at all
35 upvotes
Brooks Gonzalez
Came here for work and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
Bennett Evans
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great BBQ places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
30 upvotes
Hailey Walker
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The walkability is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Parker
I've lived in Riverside for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- The healthcare scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Maverick Taylor
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 10 years. Moved from Tampa for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. 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 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is solid - we have ski resorts 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 tough. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Limited entertainment options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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