Curious what people think. You can expect to pay around $1,769 for rent here. Median household income is $79,278, which feels about average for the area. Poverty rate is 7.3%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $640,600 on average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
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Xavier Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 43, moved here 9 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Maple Ridge and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 San Francisco, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K 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.
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