So, I'm a remote worker and Rent is about $1,271/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $168,500 on average. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Thoughts? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
7 upvotes
15 Replies
Aaron Sanders
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
40 upvotes
Levi Rivera
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
36 upvotes
Sara R.
literally same
31 upvotes
Serenity
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much established but now it's pretty good.
30 upvotes
seattlemama2022
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in West area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
Nora Williams
yep
26 upvotes
Nicholas Morgan
Moved here from Dallas about 2 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Reagan C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Pine Hills. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in education. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
Linda M.
preach
20 upvotes
Robert Clark
it depends on the neighborhood
17 upvotes
Eleanor Ward
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 45, moved here 6 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in South and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
Brooklyn Mendoza
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Charlotte about 5 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Autumn Green
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The cost of living is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Alexis C.
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 14 years. Moved from Chicago for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. Maple Ridge schools are underrated. 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. Limited high-paying job options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Harper Brown
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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