Curious what people think. The unemployment rate is 0.7%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Am I wrong here?
1 upvotes
11 Replies
Lucas Lopez
underrated comment
38 upvotes
cincyrider2024
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 13 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are improving. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Ryan Rivera
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Eli Gonzalez
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much manageable but now it's underrated.
25 upvotes
Sophie Gonzalez
I work in tech here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is average. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Ezekiel Chavez
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
20 upvotes
Sarah M.
honestly same experience here
19 upvotes
Quinn Nelson
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 1 years. Moved from Houston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have biking trails 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 challenging. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited entertainment options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Eli White
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
9 upvotes
Julian Smith
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely tough and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (The Heights) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. job 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.
5 upvotes
Joseph Hernandez
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The school system is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
All Countries
