Military spouse here. Homes are going for about $681,500 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What would you do? Property taxes are high but you get good services. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
9 upvotes
5 Replies
Dominic Walker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Downtown. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in real estate. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Gabriella Richardson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 12 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Caleb C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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