Curious what people think. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $196,600 on average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What would you do? TIA! It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
17 upvotes
21 Replies
orlandoguy2022
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Alice M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (West) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
39 upvotes
Madeline Hernandez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Alexa Rodriguez
good to know, thanks
37 upvotes
Timothy M.
good to know, thanks
35 upvotes
Andrew
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The pet-friendliness is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
Aaron L.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
Ella Martinez
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The weather is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
Nora Phillips
I'm a nurse and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
30 upvotes
Bella Ramirez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from New York about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is improving.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
Emma
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 15 years. Moved from New York for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. manufacturing 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking 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. Limited public transit options. Homeless population growing downtown. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Bennett Wilson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Miami about 2 years ago. The main reasons were work and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Henry Bennett
it depends on the neighborhood
20 upvotes
Benjamin Reyes
noted, appreciate it
20 upvotes
Jack Moore
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 7 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
19 upvotes
Cora W.
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Southern places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
12 upvotes
Roman Walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 1 years. Moved from Denver for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. healthcare 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Lakewood 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. Limited high-paying job options. Dating scene is rough. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Avery Alvarez
+1
10 upvotes
Easton C.
honestly same experience here
9 upvotes
Thomas Hughes
good to know, thanks
8 upvotes
fresnolover2022
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 9 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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