Been meaning to ask this. I'm retired and Median household income is $35,417, which feels on the lower side for the area. Poverty rate is 17.3%, which is higher than I expected. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I overthinking this? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
4 upvotes
10 Replies
desert_alexa63
same here
40 upvotes
Bobby J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 4 years. Moved from New York for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. North schools are solid. 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. Limited public transit options. Property taxes are high. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Theodore Reyes
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- The housing market scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Gianna Collins
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Uptown) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, 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.
23 upvotes
omaha_leah
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Xavier
facts
18 upvotes
Brooklyn
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Fairview area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
Daniel K.
yep
15 upvotes
Gloria T.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
8 upvotes
Aiden Jimenez
Bought a house here in 2016 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
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