Just moved here 15 months ago and With a population of 32,760, Houma is a smaller city. Crime rate is something to consider -Houma sits at 637.8 per 100K. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Has anyone dealt with this? The suburbs are where most families end up.
18 upvotes
16 Replies
Jack S.
exactly what I was thinking
37 upvotes
Lily N.
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 15 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 excellent. 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 high-paying job options. Property taxes are high. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Piper R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely average and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Downtown) is competitive 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 Limited public transit 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.
32 upvotes
Lucy Rivera
yeah no that's not right
31 upvotes
Lillian R.
not my experience at all
27 upvotes
milwaukee_delilah
great question, following
25 upvotes
Nora Jones
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The housing market is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
22 upvotes
Jonathan Lewis
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is improving in most areas.
20 upvotes
Sara M.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- The school system scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Bennett M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
16 upvotes
Zoe Diaz
haha yep pretty much
14 upvotes
Santiago Myers
+1
14 upvotes
Sophia K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 33, moved here 2 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Old Town and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The school system situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Phoenix, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
13 upvotes
clara_rider
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 10 years. Moved from Austin for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. South 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. Rising rent and home prices. Dating scene is rough. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Waylon H.
underrated comment
7 upvotes
Jacob Wood
Moved here from Denver about 14 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to safety but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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