Hey everyone, We're a young couple and The unemployment rate is 1.4%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What would you do? Cheers. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
0 upvotes
14 Replies
Jace Foster
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Highland area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Carter Foster
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
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 reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Luca Lee
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 43, moved here 12 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Fairview and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Can feel isolated
3. The walkability situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Portland, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
37 upvotes
Melanie Richardson
bump
36 upvotes
Brooks Kelly
this is the way
33 upvotes
Miles Bennett
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 4 years. Moved from Boston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have rivers 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. Urban sprawl is real. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Elizabeth Nguyen
literally same
21 upvotes
Brooklyn Hernandez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely better than expected and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Old Town) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
20 upvotes
Madelyn Stewart
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Downtown area are solid. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
Quinn Lopez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 11 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Natalie Evans
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Jayden Harris
Totally agree!
9 upvotes
Sadie R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Seattle about 5 years ago. The main reasons were work and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. No regrets on my end..
All Countries
