Hey folks, The median home value here is around $395,100, which seems about average. Homes are going for about $395,100 on average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
1 upvotes
29 Replies
Asher Parker
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Brielle M.
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- The walkability scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Peyton Wilson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Phoenix it's underrated.
39 upvotes
Zoey S.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
38 upvotes
Aubrey L.
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Mexican places. it was the best decision I ever made.
37 upvotes
maverick_chef
couldn't agree more
37 upvotes
Landon Kelly
preach
36 upvotes
Kaylee Kim
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in North. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in tech. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
miami_cameron
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
36 upvotes
Ryan Edwards
it depends on the neighborhood
34 upvotes
Joshua Miller
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
33 upvotes
Jose Wright
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Adam Patel
Moved here last year, no regrets.
32 upvotes
Nolan Jackson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 54, moved here 5 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in South and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: 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 Atlanta, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
30 upvotes
Joshua R.
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The food scene is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Parker Thompson
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The traffic is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
happy_john40
following this thread
23 upvotes
Charlotte Scott
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
22 upvotes
Ruby B.
noted, appreciate it
18 upvotes
Aaron M.
I work in finance here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is improving. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Bella L.
Moved here from New York about 1 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to weather but No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Noah Stewart
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 13 years. Moved from Nashville for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. education 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are tough. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited shopping options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Lydia Adams
Bought a house here in 2018 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone about the same since then.
12 upvotes
Paisley C.
exactly what I was thinking
10 upvotes
Matthew W.
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Vietnamese places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
9 upvotes
Madeline Morris
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much established but now it's excellent.
5 upvotes
Adrian
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
4 upvotes
Abigail Harris
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.