I've been here for 2 years and It's a a smaller city city with about 51,426 people. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Thanks for reading.
23 upvotes
14 Replies
Willow Castillo
hard disagree but ok
37 upvotes
Claire Rivera
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 34, moved here 5 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Diego, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K 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.
36 upvotes
Ellie
couldn't agree more
29 upvotes
sacramentogirl2026
hard disagree but ok
23 upvotes
chicagonative2024
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
23 upvotes
Leah Mitchell
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
22 upvotes
Jameson M.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Pine Hills area are solid. Kids love it here.
17 upvotes
Evelyn Young
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 9 years. Moved from LA for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 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:**
hospitality is strong here. tech 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is decent - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Dating scene is rough. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Ethan L.
I'm a sales manager and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
16 upvotes
Mia Green
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Kennedy Kelly
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 34, moved here 4 years ago from LA. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The housing market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 LA, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
14 upvotes
Aubrey
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Tampa it's hit or miss.
3 upvotes
Silas
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
2 upvotes
Jace Thomas
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The cost of living is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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