Hello, Poverty rate is 1.4%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Would love some local perspective.
4 upvotes
15 Replies
Ariana Alvarez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 9 years. Moved from Boston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 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:**
real estate is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are improving. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
lafan2021
this is the way
33 upvotes
Andrew Moore
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The traffic scene is average
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Chloe Young
this is the way
31 upvotes
Bennett B.
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- The dating scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
William Turner
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- The dating scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
22 upvotes
Asher M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Midtown. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
21 upvotes
Henry Phillips
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor recreation is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
19 upvotes
Ruth T.
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
18 upvotes
Naomi S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 34, moved here 1 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Uptown and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Can feel isolated
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Atlanta, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
16 upvotes
Aiden Young
I work in legal here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Allison B.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Ella G.
nah I disagree
6 upvotes
Skylar Long
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (North) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
4 upvotes
Gabriel A.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is average in most areas.
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