So, I grew up here but left for a while. Poverty rate is 14.0%, which is around average. It's a a mid-size city city with about 156K people. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
22 upvotes
7 Replies
Logan M.
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
33 upvotes
Evelyn Richardson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 53, moved here 3 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Eastside and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Nashville, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K 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.
28 upvotes
Carter Brooks
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 8 years. Moved from Tampa for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
tech is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Property taxes are high. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Noah J.
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
16 upvotes
Gabriella Hernandez
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in South area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
Wayne J.
literally same
2 upvotes
real_ezekiel33
Bought a house here in 2023 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
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