Hi all, Been living here since 2018. Rent is about $1,393/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. What would you do?
8 upvotes
16 Replies
James Foster
Moved here last year, no regrets.
40 upvotes
Delilah Ward
this is the way
40 upvotes
Thomas Ward
I'm a writer and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
36 upvotes
Adam J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in East. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in engineering. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Skylar Rodriguez
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The job market is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Melanie Edwards
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
27 upvotes
Dylan F.
+1
27 upvotes
Raymond P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Charlotte about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Elizabeth Davis
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
Weston Bennett
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
17 upvotes
Madeline Evans
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 2 years. Moved from Portland for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. 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 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. government 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited high-paying job options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Jackson Phillips
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Chicago about 2 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
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 established, gas is solid.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Hannah C.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
11 upvotes
Maya Peterson
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
11 upvotes
Jacob Rogers
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
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