Anyone else feel this way? I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Poverty rate is 5.3%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Median household income is $78,765, which feels about average for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Am I overthinking this? Thanks in advance! Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
5 upvotes
21 Replies
Genesis C.
I'm a lawyer and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
36 upvotes
Violet Turner
honestly same experience here
35 upvotes
Brooklyn Reed
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
34 upvotes
Anna
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Old Town. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in consulting. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Eva Taylor
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much manageable but now it's decent.
25 upvotes
Jack W.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
25 upvotes
Serenity G.
this is the way
24 upvotes
seattle_aria
hmm interesting perspective
22 upvotes
Joshua Baker
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 10 years. Moved from Dallas for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Pine Hills schools are pretty good. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited entertainment options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Linda R.
This.
16 upvotes
Nolan C.
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Pine Hills area are average. Kids love it here.
13 upvotes
Cameron Martin
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
- The outdoor recreation scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
10 upvotes
Jaxon Hernandez
I work in education here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is decent. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
Aiden A.
literally same
6 upvotes
Ryan Richardson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 13 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
6 upvotes
Daniel A.
good to know, thanks
5 upvotes
Ryan M.
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
3 upvotes
Brielle Ramos
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Uptown. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in tech. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
2 upvotes
nycnative2020
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 34, moved here 11 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Highland and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The food scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
1 upvotes
Jaxon G.
Moved here from Chicago about 13 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to healthcare but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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