Been meaning to ask this. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and The unemployment rate is 1.2%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Does this match your experience?
5 upvotes
14 Replies
Colton C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Maple Ridge. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in legal. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Eleanor Jones
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
37 upvotes
Willie C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 9 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Olivia Nelson
underrated comment
29 upvotes
Hailey Williams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 3 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
Lucas P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 47, moved here 9 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Pine Hills and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
28 upvotes
Hazel Lopez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Uptown. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Indian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Alexa D.
it depends on the neighborhood
25 upvotes
Dylan Alvarez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
18 upvotes
Anthony H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 2 years. Moved from Denver for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. real estate 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have lakes 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 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 public transit options. Summers can be brutally hot. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Isaiah P.
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
13 upvotes
Ariana Edwards
facts
6 upvotes
Wyatt Chavez
interesting, hadn't considered that
2 upvotes
Naomi Kelly
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
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