Anyone else feel this way? Military spouse here. You can expect to pay around $1,671 for rent here. Homes are going for about $398,600 on average. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I overthinking this? Thanks for reading. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
20 upvotes
7 Replies
Liam L.
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The food scene is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
37 upvotes
Leah James
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
35 upvotes
Bennett M.
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The healthcare scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Bugs and humidity in summer
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Dennis L.
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
18 upvotes
Julia Green
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 11 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Claire Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 26, moved here 9 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Eastside and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Chicago, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
9 upvotes
Joyce C.
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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