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Landon S.
housing
Rent vs buy in Lahaina -what makes sense?
Not sure if this has been asked before, but I relocated for work and Am I wrong here? Any help is appreciated.
12 upvotes
9 Replies
Isabella R.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is improving in most areas.
36 upvotes
Silas Morgan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Portland about 4 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is solid.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Portland about 4 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is solid.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Isabella Gonzalez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 57, moved here 15 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Riverside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
Background: I'm a writer, 57, moved here 15 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Riverside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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
Silas L.
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
Arianna Kelly
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Midtown area are underrated. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
columbuswalker2024
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 6 years. Moved from Austin for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 6 years. Moved from Austin for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Parker Morris
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
9 upvotes
Everett D.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Maple Ridge. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in education. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
No regrets on my end..
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Maple Ridge. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in education. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
No regrets on my end..
6 upvotes
Chloe Jones
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
3 upvotes