Not sure if this has been asked before, but I work in manufacturing and The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Worth the trade-offs? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
15 upvotes
14 Replies
Samuel H.
Moved here from Baltimore about 5 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to nightlife but Feel free to reach out with questions..
40 upvotes
dallasfan2023
seconding this
38 upvotes
rylee_fan
big facts right here
37 upvotes
Alexa C.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Riverside area are solid. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
Aurora Rogers
seconding this
36 upvotes
Easton Bennett
been saying this for years
31 upvotes
Elena Rodriguez
underrated comment
29 upvotes
Emily R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Portland about 13 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Aubrey Mitchell
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
Josiah Murphy
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 5 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Everly Smith
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Boston about 2 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited entertainment options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is solid.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
Isaac Smith
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 13 years. Moved from San Diego for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2022 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:**
tech is strong here. hospitality 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 have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Pine Hills schools are challenging. 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 very walkable outside downtown. Road conditions need improvement. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Alice Rogers
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 12 years. Moved from Charlotte for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
government is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 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. Rising rent and home prices. Homeless population growing downtown. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Colton Wood
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 41, moved here 1 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Old Town and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The weather situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
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