Longtime lurker here, Rent is about $1,101/month for a decent place. Should I be concerned? I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
14 upvotes
12 Replies
Harper Smith
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Tampa about 6 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
38 upvotes
Debra W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Charlotte about 4 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Alice
this is the way
27 upvotes
Hannah Davis
noted, appreciate it
24 upvotes
Serenity Cox
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
24 upvotes
Nolan Kim
I've lived in North for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by job market. 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 healthcare scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
20 upvotes
Wesley J.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
Jameson Scott
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 7 years. Moved from Seattle for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have hiking trails 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 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited shopping options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Chloe
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 14 years. Moved from Austin for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2018 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. finance 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North 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. Limited public transit options. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Avery Baker
spot on
12 upvotes
Weston D.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 7 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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