Been meaning to ask this. I'm a college student here and The unemployment rate is 4.8%, which is about average. Crime rate is something to consider -Imperial sits at 27.6 per 100K. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
5 upvotes
9 Replies
Sarah Mitchell
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Highland area are tough. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
Andrew N.
noted, appreciate it
25 upvotes
Benjamin Martin
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
- The public transit scene is improving
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
24 upvotes
Santiago Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from San Diego about 3 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Carter Jones
facts
23 upvotes
Everett Martin
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
17 upvotes
nyc_reagan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 4 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
5 upvotes
Scarlett G.
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Diverse dining options
- The cultural scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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