OK so I'm a teacher here and Household incomes average around $53,885 in Kingston. Median household income is $53,885, which feels on the lower side for the area. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. Worth the trade-offs? The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development.
13 upvotes
6 Replies
Hannah P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 14 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Nevaeh P.
I work in legal here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is improving. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Adrian Patel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 30, moved here 8 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Greenfield and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The dating scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
36 upvotes
Sofia
interesting, hadn't considered that
23 upvotes
Bennett M.
yep
22 upvotes
Landon Torres
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.