Poverty rate is 1.5%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
5 upvotes
5 Replies
Kennedy W.
bump
40 upvotes
Roman H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 13 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Eleanor Cooper
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 4 years. Moved from Boston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. Downtown 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. Rising rent and home prices. Property taxes are high. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Aiden L.
Came here for family and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The housing market is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
All Countries
