Hello, Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. It's a a small town city with about 24,516 people. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Should I be concerned? Any help is appreciated. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
7 upvotes
15 Replies
proud_evan83
same here
30 upvotes
tucsonvibes2020
facts
26 upvotes
Nathan L.
I work in hospitality here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is solid. Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
Olivia Mendoza
lol so true
25 upvotes
Noah Ramirez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 38, moved here 1 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in North and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
21 upvotes
Charlotte M.
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The safety is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Zoey Howard
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 3 years. Moved from Phoenix for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. 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 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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 underrated. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
emmett_chef
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 3 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to school system but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Nathan H.
I'm a accountant and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
Jacob C.
I've lived in Riverside 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 community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The community vibe scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Melanie
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is improving in most areas.
9 upvotes
Benjamin Roberts
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
8 upvotes
Carson K.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely challenging and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Springfield) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Dating scene 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.
6 upvotes
Madeline M.
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
All Countries
