Hello, Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Should I be concerned? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
7 upvotes
7 Replies
Quinn H.
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 1 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 Minneapolis, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Close to major attractions
- The public transit scene is improving
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Joseph R.
interesting, hadn't considered that
36 upvotes
Naomi Castillo
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 9 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Emily A.
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much wild but now it's pretty good.
26 upvotes
Allison
exactly what I was thinking
24 upvotes
Oliver Y.
This.
12 upvotes
Angel Ross
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 14 years. Moved from Seattle for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. hospitality 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is decent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are better than expected. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited high-paying job options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.